Ed Pearson will make his European Le Mans Series (ELMS) debut with Nielsen Racing at the 2026 4 Hours of Barcelona, completing his transition from single-seaters to LMP2 competition.
The 19-year-old British driver spent the past three seasons racing in single-seaters before joining Nielsen’s Euroformula Open programme in 2025. Pearson finished fifth in the championship and claimed victories at Portimão and Barcelona during his first campaign with the team.
Now, Pearson will remain within the Nielsen organisation as he steps into the #24 Oreca 07-Gibson. In addition to contesting the ELMS, the Guildford-born driver will make his 24 Hours of Le Mans debut in June.
Nielsen pathway supports Pearson’s endurance switch
Pearson decided to pursue endurance racing after recognising a clear route from Nielsen’s Formula 3 operation into its established LMP2 programme.
Although the move represents a significant change after three years in single-seaters, Pearson believes he has chosen the right direction for his career. Moreover, the ELMS brings him closer to a childhood ambition of competing at Le Mans.
“I decided to make the move to ELMS with Nielsen for 2026 after starting out in single seaters for 3 years,” he replied. “Some might say it was an interesting decision, but a decision I felt was right. After a year with Nielsen’s new formula 3 team, I saw a stepping stone into the LMP2 team. It’s always been a dream of mine, since I was a kid, to race at Le Mans, and doing ELMS is a great add on to that.”
His existing relationship with Nielsen should also ease the transition. Pearson already understands the team’s personnel and working environment, even though the LMP2 programme will introduce different technical, strategic and physical demands.
Oreca test transforms Pearson’s expectations
Pearson sampled the Oreca 07 for the first time during a test at Portimão. The prototype’s power, aerodynamic performance and balance immediately distinguished it from the single-seaters he had previously driven.
Consequently, Pearson left the test with a different understanding of what a racing car could deliver. He must now adapt his driving style to the heavier and more powerful LMP2 machinery while also learning how to manage traffic, longer stints and driver changes.
“The Oreca 07 is a very different car, I don’t think I’ve ever driven anything with so much power compared to it. It is an incredible car, with great balance. When I tested in Portimão for the first time, it changed my perception on racecars. It is a great car, and I can’t wait to race it this year!”
Nevertheless, his previous single-seater experience should provide a useful foundation. Pearson has already developed strong Qualifying habits and experience with high-downforce machinery, while his 2025 victories demonstrated his ability to convert pace into results.
Familiar circuits ease rookie campaign
Pearson has already raced at most of the venues on the 2026 ELMS calendar. Therefore, he can focus primarily on adapting to the Oreca rather than learning every circuit from the beginning.
Imola represents the only new venue on his schedule. Meanwhile, Spa-Francorchamps stands out as his favourite circuit, while Silverstone carries additional significance as his home event.
“I’ve previously raced at all the tracks in this year’s ELMS calendar except for Imola, which I am very excited for, but I really can’t wait to race at all the tracks again in the Oreca. My favourites are, just to name a few, Spa, I love Silverstone of course as I am British, but overall, definitely Spa is a favourite and I can’t wait to go to Imola, and we will see how we get on. Hopefully we go well at all of them!”
Barcelona also provides a positive setting for his debut. Pearson won at the Spanish circuit during his 2025 Euroformula Open campaign, although his move into a multi-class endurance championship will create a significantly different challenge.
Development and results shape rookie targets
Pearson intends to improve steadily throughout his first ELMS season and demonstrate his ability within the highly competitive LMP2 field.
However, neither he nor Nielsen views 2026 solely as a learning campaign. The team brings a race-winning mentality to the programme and will pursue strong results from the beginning.
“My aim is to improve throughout the year, show the ability that I have,” he said. “As a team we’ve got the winner’s mentality, that’s why we are here: we are here to win, and we will do as best we can to get some really good results and hopefully, have a good season.”
Accordingly, Pearson must balance personal development with the expectations of competing in the ELMS’ top prototype category. Consistency, traffic management and effective collaboration with his teammates will play important roles alongside outright speed.
Le Mans opportunity fulfils childhood ambition
Pearson will also contest the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans with Nielsen Racing, fulfilling an ambition that began when he was five years old.
The opportunity gives his switch to endurance racing immediate significance. Instead of gradually working towards Le Mans over several seasons, Pearson will tackle the event during his first year in LMP2.
Furthermore, his established relationship with Nielsen gives him confidence ahead of the demanding race. His time with the team’s single-seater operation created strong personal connections that will now carry into its prototype programme.
“Le Mans has been a childhood dream of mine since the age of five, so to be racing in it at such a young age is going to be very special to me,” he admitted. “Doing Le Mans with the Nielsen guys is going to be great, I love them all very much, I got a very special relationship with all of them after working with the F3 team. I can’t wait to show my ability at one of the greatest races in the world.”
Before turning his attention to Le Mans, Pearson will begin his LMP2 career at Barcelona. The opening round will provide his first opportunity to demonstrate how quickly he can transfer his single-seater experience into the ELMS and establish himself within endurance racing.
