Young Swiss Racer Embraces Family Legacy in IMSA Debut

Jeremy Siffert looks to build on his famous grandfather's achievements in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Jeremy Siffert, a 22-year-old Swiss race car driver, is embracing his family's motorsports legacy as he embarks on his debut season in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Siffert's grandfather, the legendary Jo 'Seppi' Siffert, was a renowned Formula 1 and endurance racing driver in the 1960s and 1970s. While the younger Siffert acknowledges the advantages and challenges of carrying on his grandfather's legacy, he is focused on forging his own path in the sport and developing as a complete racing driver with the support of the Gebhardt Young Driver Academy.

Why it matters

The story of Jeremy Siffert highlights the unique position young drivers can find themselves in when they come from a family with a rich motorsports history. On one hand, the Siffert name can open doors and provide valuable experience, but it also comes with heightened expectations. Siffert's journey in IMSA will be watched closely as he seeks to establish his own identity while honoring his grandfather's legendary achievements.

The details

Siffert will compete in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge sprint races this season as part of the Gebhardt Motorsport team, driving a Duqueine D08 LMP3 car. He had originally been slated to run the endurance races, but the team adjusted his schedule to focus on the sprint format. Siffert is eager to learn how to be more aggressive in racing situations through the sprint events. He has prior experience at some of the tracks on the schedule, including Sebring International Raceway where he co-drove a Funyo SP05 EVO to a 13th place finish in last year's Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic 12 Hour/Sebring Historics.

  • Siffert co-drove a Funyo SP05 EVO to a 13th place finish at the 2025 HSR Classic 12 Hour/Sebring Historics.
  • Siffert made his IMSA debut at Daytona International Speedway in 2026.

The players

Jeremy Siffert

A 22-year-old Swiss race car driver who is the grandson of legendary Formula 1 and endurance racing driver Jo 'Seppi' Siffert.

Jo 'Seppi' Siffert

Jeremy Siffert's grandfather, who was a renowned Formula 1 and endurance racing driver in the 1960s and 1970s, winning the 1968 British Grand Prix and multiple endurance races including the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Gebhardt Motorsport

The team that Jeremy Siffert is driving for in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, providing him the opportunity through their young driver academy program.

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What they’re saying

“The legacy of my grandfather is really big, and he really inspired me. It has its advantages and also the disadvantages to have him as a grandfather. The people still know him which can open me the door … to get me some attention.”

— Jeremy Siffert (Speedway Digest)

“The Gebhardt Young Driver Academy is a huge opportunity for me and will help me develop both on and off the track. I am surrounded by the right people within the team, and we are working together to help me improve and become a complete racing driver in every respect.”

— Jeremy Siffert (Speedway Digest)

What’s next

Siffert will look to use the remaining IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge sprint races to build confidence and results for the future as part of the Gebhardt Young Driver Academy program.

The takeaway

Jeremy Siffert's journey in IMSA showcases the unique challenges and opportunities that come with carrying on a family's motorsports legacy. While the Siffert name opens doors, the young driver must forge his own path and identity in the sport, which he is doing with the support of the Gebhardt team and their driver development program.