Robert Kubica Claims First Le Mans 24 Hours Victory
Le Mans, France – Robert Kubica secured his first overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving the #83 Ferrari Hypercar alongside Phil Hanson and Yifei Ye. This milestone achievement reflects a significant comeback for the former Formula 1 star, who has endured a tumultuous career since his near-fatal rallying accident in 2011.
Kubica’s triumph comes after several near-misses, including a heart-wrenching retirement from the lead during the 2021 race due to a throttle sensor issue. With this fifth Le Mans appearance, he has finally realized his dream on a weekend that coincided with the Canadian Grand Prix, marking a poignant moment as it was also the site of his sole F1 victory in 2008.
Fernando Alonso, a two-time Le Mans winner, praised Kubica’s achievement: “He deserves to experience that. He’s a legend of our sport, and now he’s even more after winning Le Mans.” Alonso further acknowledged Kubica’s struggles and expressed pride in his fellow driver’s persistence.
Frederic Vasseur, former team principal at Alfa Romeo, echoed similar sentiments, stating, "To win in Le Mans in this situation… it’s something that I can’t imagine." Vasseur highlighted Kubica’s resilience with remarks about his adaptability, recalling a recent F1 race in Zandvoort where Kubica faced technical challenges after not having driven the car all season.
Kubica, now 40, has also excelled in other racing disciplines, including winning the WRC2 title in 2013 and the European Le Mans Series LMP2 championship twice in 2021 and 2024. His latest accolade in Le Mans elevates him further in the pantheon of motorsport greats, solidifying a legacy filled with remarkable highs and profound challenges.
