Porsche Junior 2026: Twelve Aspiring Racers Vie for Coveted Supercup Seat

Porsche is gearing up for the intense Porsche Junior selection process for 2026, where twelve promising young drivers from across the globe will compete for a coveted spot in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. This prestigious program offers significant financial backing and comprehensive mentorship, aiming to cultivate the next generation of motorsport stars.

Key Takeaways

• Twelve candidates, aged up to 23, nominated from Porsche Carrera Cup series worldwide and one wildcard.

• Selection process includes interviews, tests, and on-track driving at the Porsche Esports Performance Center and Estoril circuit.

• The new Porsche Junior receives up to €225,000 for a 2026 Supercup campaign.

• Alumni include successful factory drivers like Timo Bernhard, Marc Lieb, and Laurin Heinrich.

The Selection Process

The rigorous selection for the 2026 Porsche Junior program is underway, with candidates undergoing a series of assessments. The process began at the Porsche Esports Performance Center (PEPC) in Cologne-Ossendorf, featuring interviews and various tests. The competition then moves to the former Formula 1 circuit in Estoril, Portugal, where the drivers will demonstrate their skills behind the wheel of the powerful 911 GT3 Cup (Generation 992.1).

The Prize and the Legacy

The ultimate prize for the selected Porsche Junior is substantial financial support, up to €225,000, for their 2026 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season. This international one-make series is a cornerstone of Porsche's motorsport ecosystem and runs alongside select Formula 1 events. Beyond the financial backing, the program provides invaluable mentorship from Porsche Motorsport, covering all facets of a professional racing career. This comprehensive support has been instrumental in launching the careers of many successful drivers, including factory drivers who have achieved significant victories in major championships like Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The Contenders

This year's selection features twelve talented drivers from ten countries spanning four continents. Each Porsche Carrera Cup series worldwide nominated one driver under the age of 23. The group includes Paul Cauhaupé from France, who earned a wildcard entry after a strong performance in Carrera Cup France and the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

Among the other notable candidates are:

• Janne Stiak (Germany): The youngest contender at 18, representing Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East.

• Alexander Tauscher (Germany): The oldest at 23, a consistent front-runner in the German series.

• Sam Jongejan (Netherlands): The 20-year-old runner-up from Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux.

• Marcus Amand (France): The 19-year-old champion of Carrera Cup France.

• William Martin (Great Britain): The 22-year-old vice champion from Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain.

• William Siverholm (Sweden): A 20-year-old who progressed through the Porsche Motorsport pyramid.

• Flynt Schuring (Netherlands): A 19-year-old race winner from Porsche Sixt Carrera Cup Deutschland, brother of DTM driver Morris Schuring.

• Enzo Trulli (Italy): The 20-year-old son of former F1 driver Jarno Trulli, who competed in Carrera Cup Asia.

• Matheus de Barros Comparatto (Brazil): An 18-year-old Formula 4 graduate and vice champion of Carrera Cup Brazil.

• Zachary Vanier (North America): A 23-year-old winner of Porsche Sprint Challenge North America.

• Bayley Hall (Australia): Representing his home Carrera Cup, he also won the Junior classification.

These twelve drivers will now battle it out for the chance to become the next Porsche Junior, a stepping stone to a professional motorsport career.