Güven leaves DTM after title win

Güven opts for WEC and Le Mans

It's official: Ayhancan Güven will not defend his DTM title in 2026. In a post on Instagram, the champion announced that he will not be driving in the DTM next year and will instead compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship. This will also mark his debut at Le Mans.

Güven, who was recently appointed factory driver by Porsche, will race for Manthey in the LMGT3 class. He will lead the driver trio in the second Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo; the team is expected to announce the names of his teammates in mid-December.

Reason for the choice and consequences for DTM

Manthey said he would have liked to continue with Güven in the DTM, but that the driver and Porsche have opted for the WEC programme. This decision is in line with Güven's plans to focus on the transition to Formula E at the end of 2026. The 2026 season will be a transitional year for him to prepare for that step.

There are several practical reasons for this. Güven still has little formula experience, although he did drive an impressive rookie test for Formula E in Berlin. In addition, he needs FIA licence points for a Formula E licence. There are more points to be earned in the LMGT3 class of the WEC than in the DTM, which makes the choice logical. He can also gain experience in long-distance racing in the WEC, and he will probably remain involved in classics such as the 24-Stunden-Rennen at the Nürburgring.

Rumour has it that the Porsche organisation helped drive this shift, partly to prepare Güven optimally for the electric class. Manthey confirmed that they are delighted with his arrival at the WEC and that they want to take the next step together.

For the DTM, Güvens' departure means that Manthey is looking for a replacement. Ricardo Feller is expected to take his place.

Looking back on Güven's DTM career

Güven looks back on his time in the DTM with mixed feelings. He made his debut in 2022 at the Norisring, where he replaced Nick Cassidy at AF Corse through the Red Bull connection and immediately impressed with a third place on the grid. That opportunity led to a permanent spot and ultimately to three strong years culminating in the championship.

He describes his departure as not an easy decision, but also reflects on what he has achieved: from substitute driver to DTM champion and now a step closer to an international endurance racing career and Formula E.

• Güven will not defend his DTM title in 2026
• He will be competing in the FIA WEC, LMGT3 class, in 2026.
• Le Mans debut is on the agenda
• Manthey to announce teammates in mid-December
• Considerations: Formula E preparation, FIA licence points, more WEC points
• Likely successor at Manthey in DTM: Ricardo Feller