In a notable pivot within the world of motorsports, BMW has officially welcomed Kelvin van der Linde into its prestigious roster of factory drivers for the 2025 racing season. This announcement follows van der Linde’s split from Audi, a rival German automaker, marking a significant transition that is sure to create ripple effects in the competitive landscape. The South African driver, who has distinguished himself with two victories at the Nurburgring 24 Hours, has spent the last two seasons as an independent competitor devoid of any manufacturer backing. With this new alliance, van der Linde will once again compete alongside his younger brother, Sheldon van der Linde, further intensifying the familial connections within the BMW motorsport sphere.
BMW’s strategy for 2025 seems ambitious and well-planned, as the motorsport division gears up for an “extensive racing programme” featuring the newly developed BMW M4 GT3 EVO. While the specific details of van der Linde’s schedule are yet to be disclosed, speculation suggests that he will be involved in the LMGT3 class of the World Endurance Championship while also tackling challenges in the GT World Challenge Europe. This multi-faceted approach not only allows van der Linde to gain substantial driving experience but also broadens BMW’s presence across multiple high-stakes competitions, which is essential for brand visibility and performance enhancement.
The recent unavailability of a professional spot in the LMGT3 category—previously occupied by drivers Maxime Martin and Augusto Farfus—has serendipitously opened the door for van der Linde. With Martin’s exit to Mercedes, new opportunities for competitive engagement are cropping up for van der Linde. His prior experience in the World Endurance Championship, having raced with ASP in a Lexus RC F GT3 during the 2024 season, will certainly be advantageous as he pivots back into a full factory-supported role.
Reflecting on this momentous career shift, Kelvin van der Linde expressed excitement and gratitude. In his own words, he described the move to BMW M Motorsport as a “full circle” moment for him and his family, citing his father’s history with BMW touring cars as a foundational inspiration. This personal journey illustrates not only van der Linde’s commitment to excellence but also highlights the deeply interconnected nature of motorsport families. The prospect of sharing the racetrack with his brother underscores the emotional and personal investment involved in this new chapter.
Despite his successful stint in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) with Abt Sportsline, where he clinched eight victories and secured a runner-up finish in the championship, van der Linde has indicated a likely transition away from DTM racing in 2025. This suggests a calculated move towards endurance racing, where strategic pacing and vehicle reliability are paramount. BMW appears not to have the capacity to integrate van der Linde into its current DTM lineup, which boasts champions like Rene Rast and Marco Wittmann. This potential hiatus may allow him to focus solely on maximizing his performance in endurance races, where he can leverage his talents against diverse competition.
BMW Motorsport chief Andreas Roos has expressed enthusiasm for van der Linde’s arrival, emphasizing that he has consistently proven himself as one of the top GT drivers globally. Roos’ endorsement not only elevates van der Linde’s profile but also sets high expectations for what he will bring to the team. As BMW aims to secure victories and titles in their extensive racing programme with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO, van der Linde’s expertise and competitive spirit will be central to fulfilling those ambitions.
The integration of Kelvin van der Linde into BMW’s factory driver lineup symbolizes a new strategic direction for the brand. It intertwines personal stories with professional aspirations, underlining a bold leap into the future of endurance and GT racing. As fans eagerly await the unfolding of this season, all eyes will be on van der Linde as he navigates the challenging yet exhilarating landscape of motorsport with renewed vigor and passion.