2024 Le Mans: 5 F1 Drivers Who Took Part

Published: Monday, June 17, 2024, 18:30 [IST]

The iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans is set for another thrilling chapter, and this year's entry list boasts a star-studded lineup that goes beyond the usual endurance racing veterans. With the official list of 186 drivers confirmed, 18 hail come from Formula 1, bringing a unique blend of experience and talent to the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe.

Jenson Button

Amongst these returning heroes is Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 World Champion. This marks Button's third attempt at Le Mans glory, and he'll be piloting a Porsche 963 for Hertz Team JOTA.

Since his F1 departure, Button has kept his racing fire alive, competing in diverse series like Super GT, sportscar events, NASCAR Cup, and the innovative Extreme E. Partnering with Oliver Rasmussen and Phil Hansen, Button seeks to add a Le Mans victory to his already impressive racing resume.

Romain Grosjean

Romain Grosjean, a familiar face with 10 F1 seasons under his belt, joins the fray for Lamborghini Iron Lynx. Grosjean's career in F1 came to an abrupt end with a dramatic crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix.

However, his passion for racing remained undimmed, leading him to switch gears and compete in IndyCar. Now, Grosjean sets his sights on a new challenge at Le Mans, teaming up with Matteo Cairoli and Andrea Caldarelli.

Daniil Kvyat

Another F1 alumni seeking redemption at Le Mans is Daniil Kvyat. With eight seasons of F1 experience, Kvyat hopes for a change of fortune this year. Last year's Le Mans wasn't kind to him, but 2024 brings a fresh opportunity.

He joins forces with Lamborghini Iron Lynx once again, sharing the cockpit with seasoned endurance racers Mirko Bortolotti and Edoardo Mortara. Kvyat's move to endurance racing in 2021, following a stint as Alpine's reserve driver, signifies a shift in focus for the talented driver.

Robert Kubica

Robert Kubica, who made his F1 debut in 2006, takes on the challenge of Le Mans for the fourth time. Competing for AF Corse, Kubica brings a wealth of experience, including near-victories in the LMP2 class during previous attempts. Partnering with Robert Shwartzman and Yifei Ye, Kubica aims to finally conquer the demanding 24-hour race.

Kamui Kobayashi

Finally, Kamui Kobayashi, who raced in F1 from 2009 to 2014, is with the Toyota Gazoo Racing team. Kobayashi boasts a decorated Le Mans career with nine starts, including a triumphant victory in 2021.

This year, he teams up with Nyck de Vries, another former F1 driver, and Jose Maria Lopez in the formidable GR010 Hybrid, a combination that promises to be a strong contender for the overall win.

DriveSpark Thinks

The presence of these former F1 drivers adds a significant layer of excitement to the series. Their experience in high-pressure racing environments, coupled with the endurance expertise of their respective teams, creates a potent mix for success.

For fans, it's an opportunity to witness these familiar faces pushing themselves to the limit on a legendary track, while for drivers, it's a chance to conquer a new challenge or add another prestigious victory to their legacy.

Beyond the individual stories, this influx of F1 talent highlights the growing allure of endurance racing. Series like the World Endurance Championship (WEC) offer a unique blend of strategy, teamwork, and grueling physical demands, attracting top-tier drivers seeking new opportunities and a different kind of racing glory.