Robert Kubica Triumphs at Le Mans, Eyes Future in Hypercar Racing
Le Mans, June 2025 – Robert Kubica, the 40-year-old Polish driver, reached a career milestone with his victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, driving the #83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P. Partnering with Ye Yifei and Phil Hanson, Kubica displayed exceptional skill and strategy that not only secured the prestigious win but also kept them in contention for the drivers’ world championship throughout the season.
The AF Corse team solidified their status as a competitive force, achieving multiple podium finishes including second place in Qatar and a pole position at COTA. Despite consistent performances, the team finished the Bahrain International Circuit race in fifth, which ultimately secured them second place in the drivers’ standings—trailing teammates Alessandro Pier Guidi, Antonio Giovinazzi, and James Calado by 13 points.
Kubica commented on their successful yet challenging season: “If you would ask me before the year and tell me we will win Le Mans and then fight until the end our factory car, I will sign straight away,” he stated, acknowledging the competitive dynamics with factory teams. “Realistically speaking, it was a mission impossible to win unless #51 had an issue.”
Throughout the season, the #83 Ferrari was frequently the top-performing privateer, collecting crucial points at challenging events such as Sāo Paulo and Fuji. Kubica emphasized the formidable nature of competing with manufacturer-backed teams: “It’s making life difficult for non-manufacturer cars. But we achieved something nearly impossible.” His sentiments highlight the significant technical and financial challenges private teams face in the current Hypercar landscape.
The 2025 season brought a notable increase in manufacturer entries and a corresponding reduction in privateer participation, with only the #83 Ferrari and the #99 Proton Competition Porsche 963 on the grid. Although recognizing the support from Ferrari, Kubica noted, “We did a lot of small steps… and the progress we made this year was huge.”
Reflecting on the culmination of the season and the Le Mans win, Kubica admitted he experienced mixed emotions post-race, recognizing the need to fully embrace such a monumental achievement. “Winning Le Mans is not every day… I think we had a poor enjoyment,” he shared, indicating a desire for richer celebration of their accomplishments.
Kubica’s journey in prototype racing began in 2016 but faced several near-misses until this landmark victory. He has since excelled in both LMP2 and Hypercar categories, raising questions about his future plans. With the FIA WEC entry deadline approaching, he acknowledged that decisions about next year remain pending. “I still think in order to be competitive, you have to do full-time WEC,” he stated, emphasizing the technical demands of contemporary racing.
As Kubica contemplates his next moves, the motorsports world will keenly watch what steps this seasoned driver takes following one of the biggest wins of his storied career.
