Robert Kubica Secures Maiden Le Mans 24 Hours Victory
In a remarkable turnaround, Robert Kubica clinched his first overall victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours, completing a career comeback that has captivated the motorsports community. The Polish driver, alongside co-drivers Phil Hanson and Yifei Ye, piloted the #83 Ferrari Hypercar to victory, a feat that drew accolades from across the racing world.
Kubica’s win comes after a series of challenges in his career, including a devastating rally accident in 2011 that curtailed his time in Formula 1. Despite this setback, he transitioned through various motorsport disciplines, eventually finding his place in the World Endurance Championship, making his Le Mans debut in 2021 where he narrowly missed victory in the LMP2 class.
On his fifth appearance at the iconic race, Kubica triumphed during the same weekend Formula 1 returned to Canada, where Kubica secured his only F1 win in 2008.
Fernando Alonso, a two-time Le Mans winner, expressed his joy for Kubica: “He’s a legend of our sport, and now he’s even more after winning Le Mans in his career. He deserves to experience that.” Alonso emphasized the significance of the day for motorsport, referencing Kubica’s past struggles and his resolve to succeed.
Former Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur also commended Kubica’s achievement, highlighting the dedication and skill required to lead the Ferrari team to victory: “What he’s doing is mega. To win in Le Mans in this situation, to be the leader of the car, to push the team—it’s something that I can’t imagine.”
Despite a lack of points during his 2019 F1 season and two subsequent races in 2021 as a substitute, Kubica’s versatility in motorsport has been evidenced by multiple career achievements. He has won the WRC2 title, the European Le Mans Series LMP2 crown, and the WEC LMP2 honors.
This Le Mans victory not only adds a prestigious accolade to Kubica’s name but also serves as a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
