2025 24 Hours of Le Mans: Former F1 Drivers Set to Compete
As the 93rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans approaches, a notable connection between Formula 1 and endurance racing is on display with a diverse lineup of former F1 drivers participating in the event. This year’s race promises to be competitive, featuring multiple seasoned racers, some of whom are newcomers to the iconic French circuit.
Key Participants from F1
-
Antonio Giovinazzi – Ferrari AF Corse
- 2023 Achievement: Winner of the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours.
- F1 Background: Debuted with Sauber in 2017, accumulating 62 starts and earning 21 points. Best finish: 5th at the 2019 Brazilian GP.
- Current Focus: Competing in the #51 Ferrari; previously won with teammates James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi.
-
Robert Kubica – AF Corse
- F1 Highlights: A standout with BMW, Kubica scored a historic win in Canada in 2008.
- Endurance Transition: After returning to F1 in 2019, he won the LMP2 championship and made his debut in the Hypercar category in 2024.
-
Kamui Kobayashi – Toyota Gazoo Racing
- F1 Statistics: Competed in 75 races, achieving one podium.
- Endurance Success: Achieved three WEC championships and a Le Mans victory in 2021.
- 2025 Role: Team manager and driver of the #7 Toyota GR010.
-
Nyck de Vries – Toyota Gazoo Racing
- F1 Experience: Debuted at Williams in 2022, scored points in his first race.
- Current Status: Driving for Toyota, finished second in last year’s Le Mans.
-
Sebastien Buemi – Toyota Gazoo Racing
- F1 Tenure: Competed for Toro Rosso, scoring points in 55 races.
- Le Mans Achievements: Winner in 2018, 2019, and 2020; continuing to drive the #8 Toyota GR010.
-
Brendon Hartley – Toyota Gazoo Racing
- F1 Background: Debuted with Toro Rosso in 2017 after notable successes in endurance racing.
- Le Mans Victories: Key team member in Toyota’s successful campaigns.
-
Jenson Button – Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA
- F1 Accomplishments: World Champion in 2009, 15 career wins.
- Endurance Racing: Returns to Le Mans after participating previously with SMP Racing and Jota Sport.
-
Sebastien Bourdais – Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA
- F1 Background: Scored six points in 27 races with Toro Rosso.
- Endurance CV: Finished second at Le Mans in 2007; a seasoned veteran with multiple titles in the US.
-
Will Stevens – Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA
- F1 Experience: Made one appearance for Caterham in 2014.
- Endurance Progression: Achieved class wins in Le Mans and has been active in WEC since 2022.
-
Mick Schumacher – Alpine Endurance Team
- Recent F1 Career: Scored his first points with Haas in 2022; now a reserve driver for Mercedes.
- 2025 Goals: Competing for Alpine with notable performances already in the season.
-
Pascal Wehrlein – Porsche Penske Motorsport
- F1 Background: Competed for Manor and Sauber, finishing eighth in his best race.
- New Ventures: Making his endurance racing debut.
-
Felipe Nasr – Porsche Penske Motorsport
- F1 Experience: Scored points for Sauber, now an endurance champion in IMSA.
-
Paul di Resta – Peugeot TotalEnergies
- F1 Journey: Scored 121 points in 58 GP starts.
- Endurance Highlights: Won Le Mans in LMP2 in 2020; now partnering with Peugeot.
-
Jean-Eric Vergne – Peugeot TotalEnergies
- F1 Stats: Competed in 58 races, achieving a best of sixth.
- Endurance Focus: Joined Peugeot’s Hypercar program in 2022.
- Stoffel Vandoorne – Peugeot TotalEnergies
- F1 Record: Scored 26 points over 41 races.
- Current Role: Competing in Hypercars with Peugeot, having found success in Formula E.
Conclusion
The 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans will showcase a blend of veteran endurance competitors and former F1 stars, enhancing the race’s prestige and competitiveness. The expertise and diverse experiences of these drivers promise an exciting showcase of skill and strategy at La Sarthe.
