Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA has revised its driver line-up for the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans after confirming that Alex Lynn will miss the event due to ongoing recovery from a planned surgical procedure.
The British driver has already sat out the opening FIA World Endurance Championship rounds at Imola and Spa-Francorchamps while managing a persistent neck issue that dates back to 2024. Although Lynn initially targeted a return earlier in the season, scheduling complications surrounding the operation have now delayed his comeback further.
As a result, Louis Delétraz will join the team for both the upcoming Silverstone test and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he is expected to partner Will Stevens and Norman Nato in the No. 12 Cadillac V-Series.R.
Lynn to miss 24 Hours of Le Mans 2026 after further setback in recovery
Lynn’s absence represents another disruption in what has already become a challenging start to the 2026 campaign for both driver and team. Since Cadillac launched its factory Hypercar programme in 2023, Lynn has remained a central figure in the manufacturer’s WEC effort and secured a landmark victory at Interlagos last season.
However, after missing both Imola and Spa, the Brit will now also sit out Le Mans while focusing fully on surgery and rehabilitation.
Earlier this year, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA ran reduced driver line-ups during the opening races because of Lynn’s condition and scheduling clashes involving other drivers. Consequently, the team faced additional pressure managing endurance race workloads across both cars.
Despite the disappointment, Lynn made clear that completing the procedure and returning at full fitness remains his main priority.
“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.
“The timing hasn’t worked out as originally planned due to scheduling difficulties around the surgery, but we now have a clear path forward. 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.”
Delétraz expands Cadillac role after Spa appearance
While Lynn continues his recovery, Delétraz will continue to deputise for him. The Swiss driver already replaced Lynn at Spa earlier this season, where he shared the # 12 Cadillac with Stevens and Nato. That appearance marked Delétraz’s first WEC start outside of his Le Mans outings since winning the 2023 LMP2 title with Team WRT.
Moreover, Delétraz brings valuable familiarity with the Cadillac V-Series.R after competing in IMSA with Wayne Taylor Racing over the past two seasons. His previous experience with the car helped ease his transition into the Hertz Team JOTA operation at Spa and now strengthens the squad ahead of Le Mans.
Importantly, Delétraz had already been scheduled to participate in the Silverstone test programme before receiving confirmation of his Le Mans call-up. Therefore, Cadillac enters the endurance classic with a driver who already understands both the machinery and the team environment.
Cadillac backs Lynn while welcoming Delétraz
Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA management has continued to support Lynn throughout his recovery process while also expressing confidence in Delétraz’s ability to deliver at Le Mans.
Team director and co-founder Sam Hignett emphasised that Lynn’s long-term fitness remains the organisation’s priority.
“Our priority is ensuring Alex can complete his surgery, make a full recovery and return to full fitness as soon as possible.
“Naturally, it’s disappointing that he won’t be with us for Le Mans, but we fully support him in taking the time needed to complete his surgery and rehabilitation properly.
“We’re pleased to have Louis stepping into the car for the test and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 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.”
With Delétraz now confirmed alongside Stevens and Nato, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA can fully focus on preparations for the biggest race of the WEC season. As the Le Mans countdown continues, Cadillac now heads into the French endurance classic balancing the immediate challenge of competing for results with the longer-term objective of welcoming Lynn back to full fitness later in the season.
Delétraz switch opens door for Allen at Le Mans
Delétraz’s move to Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA ultimately forced AO Racing and AO by TF into a late change for their 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans campaign. The Swiss driver had originally been part of the team’s planned LMP2 Pro-Am line-up before Cadillac selected him to replace the recovering Alex Lynn in its Hypercar programme. As a result, AO Racing turned to James Allen to complete the revised crew aboard the No. 99 Oreca entry, ‘Rockie The Pegasus’.
Allen arrives with significant endurance racing experience, having won the 2023 European Le Mans Series title as well as back-to-back LMP2 class victories at Le Mans in 2022 and 2023. Consequently, the team believes the Australian provides a strong replacement as it targets another successful run at Circuit de la Sarthe following its 2025 class victory.
“I’m really excited to be joining AO Racing for the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Allen. “AO have proven to be an exceptional team during their time in LMP2 and the results they have achieved in such a short time in the category speak for themselves. I’m looking forward to working with Dane, PJ and everyone at the team with the goal of repeating their success at Le Mans from last year!”
