Mateu announces his departure from the Racing Spirit of Leman team just ahead of the next ELMS round from Spa

Whilst yesterday we were sharing some good news from within the Aston Martin Racing powered camp, today sadly sees the need to share some sadder news with you regarding Clement Mateu and his European Le Mans Series campaign this season.

Posting today upon his social media, the Frenchman confirmed that his 2026 ELMS campaign with both the Racing spirit of Leman team and their AMR Vantage LMGT3 as well as co-drivers Valentin Hasse-Clot and Marius Fossard, ends with immediate effect.

Recently blessed with another addition to the Mateu family, he described how additional costs of his ELMS and Le Mans 24Hrs endeavours so far this season have now become unsustainable for him to continue despite the best of efforts from himself and his partners. 

This news comes out (into the public domain at least) just over a week before the fourth round of the ELMS season from Spa Francorchamps. Hopefully, the team has been given more notice than this to search for a suitable bronze graded replacement to allow for the #59 crewed car to continue in Belgium and at the final rounds of the season.

Within the ELMS series, a bronze graded driver is a mandatory requirement within the LMGT3 class. 

For an astute businessman and a proud father that he is, we feel that this decision (although hard) is precisely the right decision for him and his family and that he should and can be proud of his achievements so far!

Photo credits – Team / Series / social media