A former Formula 1 race track, four 911 GT3 Cup cars and a dozen exceptionally talented young drivers from the global Porsche one make series world: the Porsche Junior shootout for the 2026 season has once again revealed an exceptionally high level of driving quality. Over two days on the 4.182-kilometre circuit in Estoril, the candidates completed 750 laps, covering a total distance of 3,136,5 kilometres. Despite sometimes very changeable weather conditions, the young drivers, aged between 18 and 23, did not make any significant mistakes in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
On the Portuguese track not far from Lisbon, the junior contenders simulated the schedule of a Carrera Cup weekend with practice sessions, a qualifying and a race distance. All participants took to the circuit with identical equipment and under largely similar conditions.
"For us, the focus was on ensuring the greatest possible equality of opportunity: it's not the external conditions that should make the difference, but the candidates themselves," emphasises Sascha Maassen. The former Porsche factory driver is a member of the selection jury and acts as a coach to the Porsche Junior during race weekends. "We take this responsibility very seriously and, for example, compensate for weight advantages and disadvantages as far as possible. Fast lap times and the most error-free performance possible with the 911 GT3 Cup on the track naturally play an important role. But for us, it's also important how the participants work with the engineers, what feedback they give on the vehicle, how capable they are of learning and how much they can motivate a team."
The candidates had previously been given the green light to participate in the selection process at the Porsche Esport Performance Centre (PEPC) in Cologne, the headquarters of the Porsche Coanda Esports Racing factory team. Here, they underwent medical checks to assess their physical fitness, reaction speed and ability to concentrate. Through comprehensive interviews, some of which took place in front of a TV camera, the judges also gained an impression of the participants' basic character traits. Extensive sim racing sessions rounded off the day – preparation in the simulator has long been a mandatory task for professional racing drivers.
New Porsche Junior to be presented on 29 November
In the coming days, a panel of experts from Porsche Motorsport will decide on the allocation of the extensive support package for the 2026 season. The sports car manufacturer plans to announce the new Porsche Junior on 29 November during the Night of Champions. He can expect a grant of up to €225,000 for participating in the eight races of next year's Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. At the same time, the new junior driver will also compete in one of the twelve Carrera Cups organised by the sports car manufacturer around the world, from Asia and Australia to Brazil and North America.
Even more important than the financial contribution is the comprehensive training and further education that the selected candidate receives at Porsche Motorsport. It covers all relevant aspects of a professional career: from technical understanding to working efficiently with race engineers, mental training and media seminars to PR appointments and marketing activities. Sports physicians provide comprehensive support for all aspects of their physical health.
"With the Junior Programme, Porsche has been promoting rising racing talents on their way to becoming professionals since 1997," explains Jasmin Steidle-Faas, Porsche Junior Programme Organisation. "In 2026, our junior driver will once again compete in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, the spearhead of our 35 one-make cup series worldwide. At the same time, he will receive individual support tailored to his needs. Together, we want to discover and exploit his potential for improvement – at the end of the day, the Porsche junior should be able to make the best possible use of his talent."
Intensive junior development starts at national level
Porsche's extensive support and training of talented young drivers begins at national and regional level. Numerous one-make cups organised by the sports car brand have established successful junior programmes in recent years. These form the basis on which Porsche's junior development programme is built.
The Porsche Junior candidates at a glance
Marcus Amand (Finland, 19 years old) – PCC France
Matheus de Barros Comparatto (Brazil, 18 years old) – PCC Brazil
Paul Cauhaupé (France, 20 years old) – wild card (PCC France)
Bayley Hall (Australia, 22 years old) – PCC Australia
Sam Jongejan (Netherlands, 20 years old) – PCC Benelux
William Martin (Great Britain, 22 years old) – PCC Great Britain
Flynt Schuring (Netherlands, 19 years old) – PSCC Germany
William Siverholm (Sweden, 20 years old) – PCC Scandinavia
Janne Stiak (Germany, 18 years old) – PCC Middle East
Alexander Tauscher (Germany, 23 years old) – PCC Italia
Enzo Trulli (Italy, 20 years old) – PCC Asia
Zachary Vanier (Canada, 23 years old) – PCC North America
PCC = Porsche Carrera Cup
