Grenier Joins Korthoff Mercedes Squad as Full Season Driver

Photo: Mikael Grenier FB

Mercedes-AMG factory driver Mikael Grenier has joined Team Korthoff Motorsports for the full IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season alongside the returning Mike Skeen.

The 30-year-old Canadian driver, who recently extended his works contract with the German manufacturer, is set for his first full-time campaign in the GTD class after having made previous series starts with fellow Mercedes-AMG squads Winward Racing, WeatherTech Racing and SunEnergy1 Racing in recent years.

Grenier also contested a full season of DTM with GruppeM Racing.

He replaces Stevan McAleer in the team’s full lineup, who finished third in the GTD drivers’ championship last year.

“I am very happy to be racing with Team Korthoff Motorsports for the season,” he said.

“I have known the team for a few years as I watched them from their debut with the Mercedes-AMG. The only goal of Herb, the team owner, is to win and that is something I really like, as I also race to win.

“GTD will be very competitive this year, we will need to work hard but I am sure we will be there. I only did one test so far with the team but it was really great and I enjoyed working with everyone.”

Skeen, meanwhile, will return for his second full season with the team, with Kenton Koch and Mercedes factory ace Maxi Goetz completing the lineup for this month’s season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.

“We came out of the box very strong last year with two podiums at Daytona and Sebring and everyone has built a lot of knowledge over the past year to make us even stronger,” said Skeen. “I can’t wait to get back to work and start chasing a championship with Mik.”

McAleer Dropped Because of Bumped FIA Driver Rating

McAleer, meanwhile has posted to social media the reason why he’s not returning to the team, citing his elevated FIA driver rating for 2023.

“After the 2022 season my FIA license was upgraded from Silver to Gold based on my pace and results,” McAleer wrote on Instagram.

“To me, a huge accomplishment and a tremendous rookie season in GTD finishing P3 overall but it has left me without a seat in this Mercedes as they have gone for a factory driver pairing in 2023.

“The seat was mine if I stayed Silver. With the promotion you would think more of a guarantee in the Series but this year it wasn’t meant to be.

“This sport isn’t easy and maybe the only sport as you get better you lose opportunities with the current driver rating system but I am super grateful of where I am.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John