Is Jann Mardenborough Still Racing? Latest Update on His Career in 2026
Is Jann Mardenborough still racing? — The short answer is yes. The British racing driver, who famously transitioned from sim racing to professional motorsport through the GT Academy competition, remains active in competitive racing. Since the release of the Gran Turismo movie and renewed global interest in his remarkable journey, fans have become increasingly curious about his current status in motorsport. In this detailed article, we’ll explore Jann Mardenborough’s recent racing activity, the championships he competes in, his career evolution, and what the future may hold for him.
Who Is Jann Mardenborough?
Before diving into whether Jann Mardenborough is still racing, it’s important to understand why he’s such a unique figure in motorsport.
Jann Mardenborough was born on September 9, 1991, in Darlington, England. Unlike most professional racing drivers who begin karting at a young age, Mardenborough’s journey was unconventional. He honed his racing skills by playing Gran Turismo rather than competing in junior karting championships. The competition aimed to transform the best virtual racers into real-world professional drivers. Out of more than 90,000 participants, Mardenborough emerged as the winner, launching his professional racing career.
His transition from gamer to professional racing driver became one of motorsport’s most inspiring stories, later portrayed in the 2023 film Gran Turismo.
Is Jann Mardenborough Still Racing in 2026?
Yes, Jann Mardenborough is still racing as of 2026.
He remains active in GT racing, particularly in GT3 competitions, and continues to compete at a professional level in Europe. In recent seasons, he has participated in high-profile endurance and GT championships, demonstrating that he is far from retired.
While he may not always be in the Formula 1 spotlight or mainstream media headlines, he continues to build his career in competitive GT racing.
What Series Is Jann Mardenborough Competing In?
In recent years, Mardenborough has focused primarily on GT3 racing, one of the most competitive categories in sports car racing.
GT World Challenge Europe
One of the major championships he has competed in is the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup. This series features elite drivers, factory-supported teams, and iconic circuits such as:
- Spa-Francorchamps
- Monza
- Nürburgring
- Paul Ricard
- Barcelona
Driving GT3 machinery — including the Ford Mustang GT3 in recent campaigns — Mardenborough has remained part of top-level endurance racing grids.
Endurance Racing Appearances
Endurance racing has been a key part of his career. Throughout his professional journey, he has competed in:
- 24 Hours of Le Mans
- 24 Hours of Nürburgring
- Super GT (Japan)
- European Le Mans Series
- British GT Championship
His adaptability across sprint and endurance formats continues to make him a valuable driver in GT categories.
How Has His Career Evolved Since GT Academy?
When asking, Is Jann Mardenborough still racing?, many fans also want to know how his career has evolved since his GT Academy victory.
Early Professional Years (2012–2015)
After winning GT Academy in 2011, Mardenborough progressed rapidly:
- British GT Championship
- Formula 3
- GP3 Series
- 24 Hours of Le Mans (LMP2 category)
His move into single-seaters surprised many, as he demonstrated competitive pace despite lacking traditional junior karting experience.
Super GT and Japan Move
One of the most significant chapters of his career was his move to Japan to compete in Super GT, one of the world’s toughest touring car championships.
Super GT required:
- Mastery of high-downforce cars
- Adaptation to new circuits
- Competing against seasoned Japanese and international drivers
His performances in Japan solidified his reputation as more than just a “gamer-turned-driver” novelty story.
Setbacks and Comebacks
Like many racing drivers, Mardenborough faced career fluctuations. Motorsport careers often depend on manufacturer backing, sponsorship, and team contracts. There were periods where his seat situation was uncertain, leading fans to question whether he would continue racing.
However, he has consistently found ways to remain active, particularly in GT and endurance racing formats.
The Impact of the Gran Turismo Movie
The 2023 Gran Turismo film brought global attention back to Jann Mardenborough’s story. Although dramatized for cinematic effect, the film introduced millions of viewers to his unique career path.
Following the movie’s release:
- Search interest for “Is Jann Mardenborough still racing?” surged.
- His social media following increased significantly.
- Motorsport fans revisited his real-world racing achievements.
The film not only celebrated his GT Academy victory but also highlighted the challenges he faced, including a tragic accident during his career.
Despite the Hollywood spotlight, Mardenborough has remained focused on racing rather than transitioning into full-time media work.
What Car Does Jann Mardenborough Drive Now?
In recent seasons, Mardenborough has competed in GT3-spec cars, including the Ford Mustang GT3 platform.
GT3 cars are:
- Manufacturer-developed race cars
- Used in global championships
- Known for close, competitive racing
Driving for professional teams in Europe, he continues to compete against factory-backed drivers and rising talents.
Why Some People Think He Retired
The question is, is Jann Mardenborough still racing? Often arises because:
- He is not in Formula 1 or Formula 2.
- He does not consistently appear in mainstream motorsport headlines.
- His career has shifted between continents and series.
- Media coverage focuses more on his origin story than on his current results.
However, many professional drivers build long careers in GT and endurance racing outside of Formula 1’s spotlight. These categories are highly competitive and respected within the motorsport world.
Is Jann Mardenborough in Formula 1?
No, Jann Mardenborough has never raced in Formula 1.
Although he competed in junior single-seater categories such as GP3 and Formula 3, he transitioned back toward sports cars and GT racing rather than pursuing the Formula 1 ladder long-term.
His career path reflects a practical decision — GT racing often offers greater stability and longevity compared to the ultra-competitive Formula 1 pathway.
What Are His Future Racing Plans?
As of 2026, there is no indication that Jann Mardenborough plans to retire.
Possible future directions include:
- Continued GT3 competition
- Nürburgring 24 Hours campaigns
- Factory-supported endurance programs
- Historic or special-event racing appearances
At 34, he is well within the typical age range for GT and endurance drivers, many of whom compete successfully into their 40s.
How successful has Jann Mardenborough been?
While he has not won world championships at the top tier of motorsport, his career is still considered highly successful for several reasons:
- Transitioned from sim racing to professional racing
- Competed at Le Mans
- Raced in Japan’s elite Super GT championship
- Maintained a professional career for over a decade
- Inspired a major Hollywood film
His longevity alone is a major achievement, especially considering he did not follow the traditional karting-to-Formula-1 route.
Jann Mardenborough’s Legacy in Motorsport
Even if he were to retire tomorrow, his impact would remain significant.
He proved that:
- Sim racing skills can translate into real-world performance.
- Non-traditional drivers can break into elite motorsport.
- Gaming and professional racing are more connected than ever.
Today, esports racing academies and sim-to-real driver programs are far more common — in part due to the credibility he helped establish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jann Mardenborough still racing in 2026?
Yes, he is still actively competing in GT and endurance racing events.
What team does Jann Mardenborough drive for?
He has recently competed in GT3 racing with professional European teams, including programs involving the Ford Mustang GT3 platform.
Did Jann Mardenborough retire?
No, there is no confirmed retirement announcement.
Was Jann Mardenborough really a gamer before racing?
Yes. He won the 2011 GT Academy competition after competing in Gran Turismo on PlayStation.
Did Jann Mardenborough race at Le Mans?
Yes, he competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 category.
Final Thoughts
Jann Mardenborough’s journey from sim racer to professional driver remains one of the most extraordinary stories in modern motorsport. As of 2026, he is still actively competing in GT and endurance racing, continuing to prove that his success was never just a one-time headline — it’s the result of genuine talent, adaptability, and resilience.
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