Christine Drews Sieger
Former Formula 1 drivers continue to leave their mark on motorsport, with 16 ex-F1 racers competing in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
While Formula 1 remains motorsport’s biggest stage, a growing number of former Grand Prix drivers have found a new career path in endurance racing, according to Formula1.com.
This is clearly evident at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, where 16 former F1 drivers are on the starting grid.
Some arrive as established endurance-racing stars. Others still view Le Mans as an opportunity to revive their careers after difficult spells in Formula 1.
New Chapters
Robert Kubica is among the most remarkable examples. The Pole was once regarded as a future world champion, but a serious rally accident changed the course of his career.
Today, he is the reigning Le Mans winner following last year’s triumph with Ferrari.
At the same manufacturer, Antonio Giovinazzi continues his successful transition from Formula 1 to sports car racing. The Italian was part of Ferrari’s historic victory in 2023 and has since established himself as a key figure in the marque’s Hypercar programme, according to Formula1.com.
Kevin Magnussen represents a newer wave of former F1 drivers in the championship. After bringing his Formula 1 career to a close, the Dane shifted his focus to BMW’s campaign in the top class.
Greater Success Outside F1
For several of the participants, Le Mans has become the stage on which they have achieved their greatest success.
Sébastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley never reached the front of the Formula 1 grid, but have since collected both Le Mans victories and World Endurance Championship titles.
Kamui Kobayashi has likewise built a strong reputation in endurance racing since his time in Formula 1, while André Lotterer was already a Le Mans winner before making his sole Grand Prix start, Formula1.com reports.
Brief F1 Careers
This year’s field also includes several drivers whose Formula 1 careers were short-lived, according to Formula1.com.
Nyck de Vries, Jack Aitken, Logan Sargeant, Pietro Fittipaldi and Jack Doohan all received limited opportunities in the sport, but are now continuing their careers on the Le Mans stage.
Together with names such as Sébastien Bourdais, Paul di Resta, Stoffel Vandoorne and Will Stevens, they help make this year’s edition of Le Mans one of the most F1-heavy in recent memory.
Source: Formula1.com
