2025 Le Mans 24 Hours: Former F1 Drivers Set to Compete
As the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours approaches, the presence of former Formula 1 drivers in the Hypercar class exemplifies the ongoing synergy between F1 and endurance racing. This year, notable names will showcase their talents on the historic Circuit de la Sarthe, bringing experience from both single-seaters and endurance racing.
Key Competitors
Antonio Giovinazzi – Ferrari AF Corse
Car No.: 51
Winner of the 2023 Le Mans, Giovinazzi aims to defend his title with Ferrari. A former F1 driver with Sauber and Alfa Romeo, he has accumulated 62 races and 21 points in F1. His endurance journey started in 2016, and alongside James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi, he delivered Ferrari’s first Le Mans victory in 50 years last season.
Robert Kubica – AF Corse
Car No.: 83
Kubica enters the race as a seasoned competitor, having transitioned from F1 to WEC after a successful yet tumultuous F1 career. His highlights include a victory at the Canadian GP in 2008 and winning the LMP2 title in 2023. He now aims for success in the Hypercar category with AF Corse.
Kamui Kobayashi – Toyota Gazoo Racing
Car No.: 7
Kobayashi, a veteran of endurance racing, has secured multiple championships within WEC and notable victories at Le Mans. The Japanese driver, now also a team manager for Toyota, continues to excel at the highest levels of endurance racing, including establishing a record lap at Le Mans.
Nyck de Vries – Toyota Gazoo Racing
Car No.: 7
De Vries, an ex-Formula E champion, has made an impressive transition into endurance racing. Since joining Toyota, he has shown promise, finishing second in the last Le Mans while driving alongside Kobayashi.
Sébastien Buemi – Toyota Gazoo Racing
Car No.: 8
Buemi has won multiple WEC titles and Le Mans races since moving from F1, where he competed for Toro Rosso from 2009 to 2011. His consistency has made him a linchpin for Toyota’s Le Mans efforts.
Brendon Hartley – Toyota Gazoo Racing
Car No.: 8
Hartley, after a stint in F1 with Toro Rosso, has found renewed success in endurance racing, securing several Le Mans victories since joining Toyota. His experience will be vital for their 2025 campaign.
Jenson Button – Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA
Button, the 2009 F1 world champion, is back at Le Mans after previous attempts. Joining JOTA, he aims to leverage his diverse motorsport background for a competitive showing in 2025.
Pascal Wehrlein – Porsche Penske Motorsport
Wehrlein, a former F1 driver and recent Formula E champion, makes his endurance racing debut with Porsche in 2025. His experience in various racing formats could be an asset to the team.
Felipe Nasr – Porsche Penske Motorsport
Nasr, with a F1 background at Sauber, has transitioned successfully to endurance racing, winning titles and notable races like the Daytona 24 Hours.
Conclusion
The 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours promises to be a showcase of talent, blending former F1 expertise with the rigors of endurance racing. Each driver’s unique background adds depth to this iconic event, as they vie for glory on one of motorsport’s grandest stages.
