The legendary Rolex 24 at Daytona is set to kick off the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with a star-studded field, featuring no fewer than ten former Formula 1 drivers. This prestigious endurance event, held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, remains a major draw for top-tier talent from across the global motorsport spectrum.
GTP Class: The Battle for Overall Victory
The top-tier GTP category, featuring advanced hybrid prototypes, will be a focal point for Formula 1 alumni. Reigning IMSA champion Felipe Nasr leads the charge, alongside former Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen. They are joined by other notable names from the F1 paddock, such as Will Stevens and Jack Aitken, all vying for the overall win in what promises to be a fiercely competitive class.
Adding to the spectacle, the GTP field also includes prodigious talent from other series. Teenage NASCAR sensation Connor Zilisch will take on the challenge, fresh from his impressive 2025 Xfinity Series campaign. The category showcases the perfect blend of experience and emerging skill.
LMP2 and GTD: F1 Experience Across the Field
Further down the entry list, the LMP2 class provides a highly competitive proving ground. Here, former Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant teams up with seasoned veteran Paul di Resta. This category often sees these experienced hands mentoring younger talents and sharing cars with pro-am teammates, creating a unique dynamic within the 24-hour race.
In the GT Daytona (GTD) class, the familiar faces of Romain Grosjean and Marcus Ericsson will be present. The ex-Haas and Sauber F1 duo have successfully reinvented themselves in American motorsport, becoming established figures in both IndyCar and sports car racing. Their battle in the production-based GT cars will be one to watch.
A Gathering of Champions
The appeal of the Rolex 24 extends far beyond the F1 fraternity. The entry list is bolstered by some of the biggest names in American open-wheel racing. Four-time and reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou will be on the grid, alongside series legends like Scott Dixon and Will Power. This convergence of champions from different disciplines underscores the event's status as a premier fixture on the international calendar.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona serves as the prestigious season opener for the IMSA championship. It takes place just weeks before the same venue hosts NASCAR's flagship event, the Daytona 500, making January a blockbuster month for motorsport at the World Center of Racing. With such a diverse and talented entry list, the 2026 edition is poised to deliver a classic chapter in the race's storied history.
