Endurance Racing Icons: 18 Former F1 Drivers Take on Le Mans 24 Hours
In the world of endurance racing, Formula 1 drivers have long been drawn to the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours. This year’s event will feature no fewer than 18 former F1 drivers, each bringing their unique set of skills to the grid.
F1 Veterans at Le Mans
- Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 world champion, returns to Le Mans for his third attempt at the WEC race. Driving for Hertz Team JOTA, Button will pilot a Porsche 963 alongside Oliver Rasmussen and Phil Hansen. Following a 17-year F1 career, Button has explored various motorsports, including Super GT, sportscar racing, NASCAR Cup, and Extreme E.
- Romain Grosjean, known for his dramatic exit from F1 in 2020, will drive for Lamborghini Iron Lynx alongside Matteo Cairoli and Andrea Caldarelli. The French-Swiss driver spent 10 seasons in F1, earning 10 podiums, and has since competed in IndyCar and the IMSA SportsCar championship.
- Daniil Kvyat, who suffered a big accident in last year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, returns with Lamborghini Iron Lynx, seeking redemption. The Russian driver spent eight seasons in F1, driving for Toro Rosso and Red Bull, and has been active in endurance racing since 2021.
- Robert Kubica, the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner, makes his fourth Le Mans 24 Hours start with AF Corse, driving a Ferrari 499P alongside Robert Shwartzman and Ye. Kubica has had a varied motorsport career, including rallying, F1, and DTM.
- Kamui Kobayashi, a Le Mans 24 Hours winner in 2021, drives for Toyota Gazoo Racing in the Hypercar category alongside Nyck de Vries and Jose Maria Lopez. The Japanese driver has had a storied career, with titles in the 2019-20 and 2021 WEC championships.
- Antonio Giovinazzi, a Le Mans 24 Hours winner in 2023, seeks to repeat his success with Ferrari AF Corse, alongside James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi. The Italian driver spent three seasons in F1 with Alfa Romeo and has held a reserve driver position at Ferrari since 2021.
Other F1 veterans set to compete at Le Mans include:
- Paul di Resta
- Mick Schumacher
- Stoffel Vandoorne
- Felipe Nasr
- Sebastien Bourdais
- Brendon Hartley
- Will Stevens
- Nyck de Vries
- Jack Aitken
- Andre Lotterer
With their collective experience in Grand Prix, endurance racing, and other motorsport disciplines, this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours promises to be an unforgettable event.
June 8, 2024
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