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Alex Lynn Set for FIA WEC Return
Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA has confirmed an important change to its driver line-up for the closing stages of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season. Alex Lynn is set to return to competition for the final two rounds of the campaign, while Ricky Taylor will step in for the upcoming Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of The Americas (COTA).
Lynn has been away from racing following successful surgery in June and is currently going through a structured rehabilitation programme. His recovery includes physiotherapy, physical training, simulator work and testing, all aimed at ensuring he is fully prepared before returning to competitive action.
The British driver is expected to make his comeback at the 6 Hours of Barcelona, scheduled for October 16–18, before competing in the 6 Hours of Monza from November 6–8. This measured approach allows Lynn to regain his race fitness rather than rushing back before he is ready.
Ricky Taylor Steps In at COTA
While Lynn continues his recovery, Cadillac has turned to experienced American driver Ricky Taylor for the sixth round of the WEC season. Taylor will join the No. 12 Cadillac V-Series.R crew for the Lone Star Le Mans at COTA on September 4–6.
Taylor is already an established Cadillac Racing driver and brings considerable endurance-racing experience to the JOTA operation. The two-time IMSA champion is also familiar with Cadillac’s machinery and has previously worked with the Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA organisation.
His appointment provides the team with an experienced replacement while Lynn completes the final stages of his recovery. Taylor will race alongside Will Stevens and Norman Nato in the No. 12 entry at COTA.
A Familiar Face for Cadillac
Taylor is not entirely new to the Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA environment. He drove for the Anglo-American partnership at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed and also participated in the FIA WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain last November.
He also worked alongside members of the JOTA line-up at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. That familiarity should help him adapt quickly to the team’s systems, engineering approach and race procedures.
COTA will nevertheless represent a significant return to FIA WEC competition for Taylor. The upcoming event will be his first non-Le Mans WEC appearance in almost a decade, making the race an intriguing opportunity for both driver and team.
Lynn’s Recovery Remains the Priority
For Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, the biggest positive from the announcement is the confirmation that Lynn’s recovery is progressing well. Team Sporting Director Leon Price said the organisation has a clear plan to bring the driver back to racing in a measured manner.
Lynn himself has indicated that the coming weeks and months will focus on becoming race-ready. His rehabilitation programme is designed to rebuild his physical condition and confidence before he returns to the intense demands of a WEC race weekend.
The decision also reflects the importance of avoiding unnecessary risks. Endurance racing places enormous physical and mental demands on drivers, particularly in the Hypercar category, where races can last several hours and involve frequent traffic management and high-speed battles.
Why Lynn’s Return Matters
Lynn has become an important part of Cadillac’s endurance programme. He was one of the drivers who helped Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA secure its breakthrough FIA WEC victory at the 2025 6 Hours of São Paulo. He has also recorded four pole positions in the Hypercar category, underlining his speed over a single lap.
His return for Barcelona and Monza will therefore be significant for the team as it enters the final phase of the championship. Reuniting Lynn with his established teammates could give Cadillac valuable continuity during the closing rounds.
COTA Presents a New Challenge
The COTA event will now have an interesting storyline of its own. Taylor’s arrival gives Cadillac another highly experienced driver, while the team will be looking to maintain its strong form throughout the season.
Taylor has already expressed his excitement about returning to Austin and competing with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA. His knowledge of the circuit, combined with his experience in Cadillac machinery, should make him a strong choice for the one-off assignment.
For the team, the objective is straightforward: remain competitive at COTA while ensuring Lynn has the time he needs to return at full strength.
Looking Ahead to Barcelona and Monza
The latest driver announcement gives Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA a clear roadmap for the remainder of the 2026 WEC season. Taylor will take responsibility for COTA, while Lynn targets a return for the final two European rounds in Barcelona and Monza.
It is a carefully balanced approach that prioritises both immediate competitiveness and Lynn’s long-term return. If his rehabilitation continues according to plan, fans should see the British driver back behind the wheel later in the season.
For Cadillac, the combination of Taylor’s experience at COTA and Lynn’s anticipated return could provide a strong finish to what has already been an important year for the Hertz Team JOTA partnership.