Mercedes-AMG Team GMR Claims Record-Shattering Bathurst 12 Hour Victory
Mount Panorama witnessed an astonishing display of resilience and speed as Mercedes-AMG Team GMR, spearheaded by Maro Engel, Mikael Grenier, and Maxime Martin, triumphed in the 2026 Meguiar's Bathurst 12 Hour. Their victory is not just a win, but a rewriting of the history books, having started from a remarkable 29th position – the lowest starting grid slot ever for a Bathurst 12 Hour winner.
The race, a true test of endurance and strategy, delivered a captivating spectacle from start to finish. However, it was the dramatic final hour that etched this edition into motorsport folklore, as Mercedes-AMG Team GMR, after a consistent and relentless charge throughout the day, capitalised on late-race drama to snatch victory from the jaws of heartbreak for rivals.
A Record-Breaking Upset
The previous record for the lowest starting position of a Bathurst 12 Hour winner stood at Bentley's 11th place in 2020. Mercedes-AMG Team GMR's win from 29th completely obliterates this benchmark, showcasing an incredible recovery and strategic masterclass. A mechanical issue in qualifying had relegated the #777 Mercedes-AMG to the back of the grid, but the team and drivers refused to be deterred.
Maro Engel, a former Supercars driver, finally claims his elusive Bathurst 12 Hour victory, a crowning achievement in his illustrious career. The German driver, alongside his co-drivers Grenier and Martin, navigated the challenging 5.07km circuit with precision and pace, battling through the field with unwavering determination.
Late-Race Chaos and Strategic Masterstrokes
The final hour was a rollercoaster of emotions. A late safety car period, triggered by an incident involving Jayden Ojeda and Chaz Mostert, brought the field back together. Ojeda's #6 Mercedes suffered terminal damage after a clash with Mostert's #222 at The Chase, leading to a frantic pit stop scramble.
This strategic pit stop cycle saw Kelvin van der Linde, who had topped up on fuel during a previous safety car, cycle through to the lead. However, questions lingered about his fuel load for the final sprint.
The Decisive Restart
With under 40 minutes remaining, the green flag waved, igniting a fierce battle for the lead. Jules Gounon launched a significant attack on van der Linde's BMW, leading to contact. Maxime Martin, a part of the leading Mercedes-AMG squad, seized the opportunity, soaring into the lead as van der Linde and Gounon were compromised by the incident. Gounon's BMW sustained damage requiring a black flag for loose bodywork, while van der Linde was also wounded.
In the chaos, a Bronze class car driven by Boccolacci remarkably moved into second, with Farfus in the sister Team WRT BMW taking third. The fight for fourth saw Max Hesse in the Team KRC BMW charging through the field, challenging 2024 Supercars champion Will Brown.
Class Victories and Notable Performances
Despite the intense battle at the front, the order largely held to the finish. Mercedes-AMG Team GMR secured a victory by just over a second. The Kerong Li/Anders Fjordbach/Boccolacci-driven Porsche claimed second outright and the coveted Bronze class victory, a testament to their strong performance.
Third place was secured by the #46 Team WRT BMW, with Valentino Rossi achieving his second Bathurst 12 Hour podium in as many years, alongside Raffaele Marciello. Will Brown finished as the top Supercars driver in fourth, with Max Hesse taking second in the Bronze class in the #89 Team KRC BMW.
The Pro-Am class was won by the #45 RAM Motorsport/GWR Australia Mercedes of Brett Hobson, Dylan O'Keeffe, and Garth Walden, who finished a strong 13th outright. The Invitational class saw the #111 111 Racing IRC GT finish 25th, while the sole GT4 entry, the #42 Method Motorsport McLaren, crossed the line in 26th.
The 2026 Meguiar's Bathurst 12 Hour will be remembered for its record-breaking winner and the sheer drama that unfolded on one of the world's most iconic circuits. Mercedes-AMG Team GMR's victory from the very back of the grid is a story that will be told for years to come.
