Michelin 12H of Spa 2026: Optimum Motorsport Masters the Storm in Statement Victory

The 2026 running of the Michelin 12H of Spa-Francorchamps 2026 delivered everything expected from one of endurance racing’s most demanding events—strategy, resilience, and ever-changing conditions at the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

At the flag, it was Optimum. Motorsport who stood tallest, securing a commanding overall victory and marking a milestone win for McLaren machinery in "Creventics" 24H Series.

Pole-to-Win Perfection

Optimum Motorsport executed a near-flawless race, converting pole position into a dominant win with the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo. From the outset, the team combined outright pace with consistency, maintaining control across both segments of the split-format race.

The driver trio of Salman Owega, Freddie Tomlinson, and Harry George delivered a disciplined and composed performance, avoiding major incidents while executing a precise race strategy.

A winning margin of over 40 seconds told the story: this was not just about speed, but about operational excellence under pressure.

Podium Battle: Consistency Rewards the Composed

Second place went to HAAS RT with the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II. Rarely out of contention, the team also secured victory in the GT3-AM class—proof of their efficiency across the full 12 hours.

Completing the podium was GetSpeed in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. While not always the outright fastest, their reliability and clean execution paid dividends when it mattered.

When Spa Strikes: Weather Decides the Finale

True to form, Spa delivered late drama. Rain arrived in the final hour, transforming track conditions and forcing critical strategy calls. Grip levels dropped rapidly through high-speed sections like Pouhon and Blanchimont, punishing even the smallest mistake.

Optimum Motorsport handled the shift with precision, maintaining composure as rivals faltered under increasing pressure.

Class Winners and Standout Performances

Across the field, several teams delivered standout drives:

🏁Proton Competition took GT3 Pro-Am honours with the Porsche 911 GT3 R

🏁HAAS RT doubled up with GT3-AM victory alongside their P2 finish

🏁Vortex emerged on top in GTX after capitalising on rivals’ misfortune

🏁Not Only Motorsport dominated TCE/TCX with the Ligier JS2 R

Strategy, Survival, and Split-Format Pressure

The unique split-format structure of the race—divided across two days—added another layer of complexity. Teams were forced to balance outright performance with long-term strategy under parc fermé conditions.

Pit execution, tyre management, and driver discipline proved decisive. Those who avoided mistakes and managed traffic efficiently ultimately came out on top.

Chaos and Comebacks

Conditions caught out even experienced teams. Multiple incidents—particularly at Blanchimont—highlighted just how unforgiving Spa can be.

🏁ERA Motorsport and ComtoYou Racing were forced into early retirements

🏁CWS Engineering mounted a remarkable comeback, rebuilding their car overnight after an Eau Rouge crash to rejoin the race

🏁ARC Bratislava and Vortex exited in the second half

🏁HAAS RT’s #21 entry saw its winning hopes end after a rain-induced incident at Eau Rouge.

A Landmark Moment for McLaren

This victory marks the first win for McLaren at the 12H Spa event, reinforcing the competitiveness of the 720S GT3 Evo against established GT3 heavyweights.

For Optimum Motorsport, it signals serious championship intent as the season unfolds.

Endurance Racing at Its Purest
The Michelin 12H of Spa continues to define endurance racing at its very best. Changing weather, relentless traffic, and strategic complexity ensure that success is never guaranteed until the final hour.

Optimum Motorsport may leave Spa with the momentum—but as this race once again proved, in endurance racing, nothing is ever certain.