Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA has confirmed that Alex Lynn will not compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans this season, with the Briton set to undergo a long-planned surgical procedure in June.
Lynn, who set pole position for last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, has already missed the opening two FIA World Endurance Championship rounds at Imola and Spa-Francorchamps while awaiting the operation. However, scheduling complications have delayed the procedure, forcing Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA to rule him out of both the pre-Le Mans Silverstone test and the French endurance classic. The team says plans for the remainder of Lynn’s season will be reviewed once his recovery timeline becomes clearer.
His place in the #12 Cadillac V-Series.R will be taken by Louis Delétraz, who was already scheduled to participate in this week’s Silverstone test. The Swiss driver arrives with strong credentials, having won the European Le Mans Series LMP2 Pro-Am title and class victory at Le Mans last year, while also racing regularly for Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing in IMSA.
Lynn’s absence is a significant blow for the #12 crew. The 32-year-old is the most experienced driver in the lineup and has been part of Cadillac’s Hypercar programme since its inception, playing a key role in the development and racing efforts of the V-Series.R.
The announcement also comes amid growing speculation about Lynn’s future. Rumours linking him to McLaren’s upcoming Hypercar programme for 2027 have intensified.
“It’s obviously hugely disappointing not to be racing at Le Mans and to miss the Silverstone test with the team, but getting this procedure completed and fully recovering has to be the priority,” said Lynn. “I’ll be supporting the team from home, and I wish Louis, the #12 crew, and everyone at Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA the very best for Le Mans.”
Team Director and co-founder Sam Hignett added that the squad’s focus remains on ensuring Lynn can complete his surgery and rehabilitation before returning to competition. “We’re pleased to have Louis stepping into the car for the test and the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” Hignett said. “He already knows the team well and has been part of our preparations, so we’re confident he’ll do a great job alongside the rest of the crew.”