WEC 2026 Rules Add Hypercar Success Handicaps and Mandate ERS on New Cars

Overview

• From 2026, success handicaps will apply to Hypercar and LMGT3 at all WEC rounds except the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• The lap-time handicap will be translated into mass and/or power in the Balance of Performance, with the system set before the March 22–23 Prologue in Qatar.
• An ERS becomes compulsory for all newly homologated Hypercars starting in 2026, effectively ending new non-hybrid LMH projects as the Aston Martin Valkyrie remains the lone current non-hybrid.
• Homologation rules now allow additional EVO jokers to be granted if a manufacturer demonstrates a significant lack of performance, expanding upgrade flexibility.
• Sporting updates raise LMGT3 tire allocations by six for six- and eight-hour races and by eight for the Qatar 10-hour, while pit-lane blending-lane use is tightened and overtaking or unsanctioned stops in the pit lane are barred.