Martin: Lack of LMDh Opportunity Led to BMW Exit

Photo: GetSpeed

Maxime Martin said a lack of promotion to BMW’s full-time roster of LMDh drivers served as a reason for his switch to Mercedes-AMG.

Last month, the 2020 Le Mans class winner departed BMW after his second stint with the brand, exiting at his own request to “pursue new challenges.”

The Belgian subsequently signed on to join Mercedes-AMG’s roster of factory drivers, making his debut at this weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona driving for GetSpeed.

When asked about the reasons behind his brand switch by Sportscar365, Martin said that there were a “lot of reasons” for his BMW exit, but noted that part of his decision to leave was because hopes of a step up to the brand’s full-time LMDh driver roster failed to materialize.

The 38-year-old contested three races at the wheel of the BMW M Hybrid V8 last year, joining Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly as the third driver in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

“At the end I was definitely not looking to change anything, and the first idea when I came back to BMW was to stay for longer,” Martin said.

“For sure I didn’t expect to change after two years. But we had some discussions about LMDh and at the end, it didn’t happen, so I didn’t want to stay just to stay.

“I didn’t want to stay in any frustrating situation. I think it was clear from my side that we had these discussions and at the end, it didn’t turn out, so better move on and go somewhere else.

“I always said that I wanted to be in LMDh, in WEC, and with BMW. So that was my idea. For sure, when I joined BMW, it was not the case, it was only for GT.

“But then we spent two years together, they had some discussions, I did some races, and that’s how it is.”

When asked why he opted to depart a LMDh manufacturer to join a brand that does not currently have a top-class prototype program, Martin replied: “To go to LMDh is one thing, but I think the logical idea was continuing with BMW from the GT side to go to LMDh.”

He added: “I did some races, and for me, the idea was to go to LMDh with BMW, not just to go to LMDh.”

From there, Martin plotted a move to Mercedes-AMG, although he admitted he also had “some discussions” with Aston Martin about a return to the British manufacturer.

“You always have options and discussions,” said Martin. “I’ve known [Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing] Stefan Wendl for a long time.

“We have been discussing for many years to try to do something together.

“At the end we came along together and we discussed and it was quite clear at that point that it was the best choice for me. I’m very happy, to be honest, to join AMG.

“They’ve shown that it’s one of the references or the reference in GT3 for many, many years and I think with the new car coming later, I think they have a nice product, so for sure I’m excited.”

Martin “Delighted” to Continue in WEC with Mercedes-AMG

Part of Martin’s program for his first season with Mercedes-AMG will be in the FIA World Endurance Championship, forming part of Iron Lynx’s two-car LMGT3 effort.

Martin has three full seasons in the world championship under his belt, two of which came as part of the Aston Martin GTE-Pro program that saw him capture a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2020.

“It’s a championship that I know quite well,” he said.

“I’ve done many years with Aston Martin. I did it with BMW last year, and for sure I’m delighted to continue.

“It’s the world championship, it’s not an easy one, and I hope that we will have a great package to be able to fight for victories and maybe the championship.”