Ex-Formula 1 Champions and Their New Adventures at the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours

The roster of drivers participating in the 2025 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans continues to underscore the enduring connection between Formula 1 and endurance racing. Over recent years, many former F1 racers have found renewed purpose in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), with some, like Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg, making brief detours through La Sarthe before returning to the single-seater arena. This year’s race promises a compelling mix of seasoned endurance veterans and fresh faces, all with roots in F1’s high-octane world.

Profiles of Former F1 Drivers in the 2025 Le Mans Lineup

Antonio Giovinazzi: Ferrari’s Endurance Ace

Antonio Giovinazzi, who clinched victory at the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours, is once again behind the wheel of the #51 Ferrari in 2025. His journey from karting to single-seaters saw him progress through F3 and GP2, where he finished as runner-up to Pierre Gasly. His debut in endurance racing came in 2016, participating in the Asian and European Le Mans Series, with notable finishes of fourth and second in WEC races.

Giovinazzi’s F1 career spanned from 2019 to 2021, during which he made 62 starts with Alfa Romeo, with his best result a fifth-place finish at the 2019 Brazilian GP. After a stint in Formula E, Giovinazzi returned to endurance racing, securing Ferrari’s historic victory at Le Mans in 2023, ending a 50-year absence for the Italian marque. In 2024, he and his teammates finished third overall, demonstrating his adaptability and skill across disciplines.

Robert Kubica: From F1 Podiums to Endurance Triumphs

Once a prominent figure in Formula 1, Robert Kubica’s career has been marked by resilience and versatility. After winning the Formula Renault series in 2005, he debuted with BMW Sauber in 2006, earning his first podium in Italy and becoming the first Pole to do so. His maiden F1 victory came at the 2008 Canadian GP, just a year after a severe rally crash that sidelined him for months.

Following his F1 stint with Renault and Williams, Kubica shifted focus to endurance racing, where he achieved remarkable success. He won the LMP2 class in the European Le Mans Series and the WEC with WRT and Prema, claiming multiple titles. In 2024, Kubica stepped into the Hypercar category with AF Corse, continuing his impressive crossover between F1 and endurance racing, a feat achieved by only a few drivers like Alonso and Webber.

Kamui Kobayashi: The Aggressive Japanese Talent

Kamui Kobayashi, a product of Toyota’s young driver program, made his F1 debut in 2009 with the Japanese Sauber team, replacing Timo Glock. Known for his daring and aggressive style, he secured a seat with BMW Sauber in 2010, racing until 2012, and later competed with Caterham until 2014. Over his F1 career, he participated in 75 grands prix, earning a podium and accumulating 125 points.

Transitioning to endurance racing, Kobayashi joined Toyota’s WEC program in 2016, where he became a dominant force, winning the championship three times and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2021. He also claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona twice. In 2025, he continues to race for Toyota in the #7 car alongside Mike Conway and Nyck de Vries, holding the Le Mans circuit record with a lap time of 3:14.791 set in 2017.

Nyck de Vries: The Rising Dutch Star

Nyck de Vries, a former Formula E world champion and F1 reserve driver, is making significant strides in endurance racing. After winning the Formula Renault and F2 titles, he debuted in F1 with Williams in 2022, scoring points and impressing with his pace. Although his F1 career was brief, he quickly found success in WEC, winning the 6 Hours of Imola in 2024 and finishing second at Le Mans with Kobayashi and Lopez in 2023.

De Vries continues with Toyota in 2025, also competing in Formula E with Mahindra Racing, exemplifying his multi-disciplinary talent. His crossover success places him among the select few drivers to excel in both F1 and endurance racing.

Sebastien Buemi: The Endurance Veteran and F1 Alumni

Sebastien Buemi, a Red Bull protege, competed in 55 F1 grands prix from 2009 to 2011 with Toro Rosso, earning 29 points and a best finish of seventh. His F1 career was brief but notable, paving the way for a highly successful endurance career. Buemi has been a mainstay in the WEC since 2012, winning multiple championships and the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

He also dominates the Formula E series, with 14 victories and the 2015-16 title. In 2025, Buemi continues to race the #8 Toyota alongside Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa, maintaining his reputation as one of endurance racing’s most accomplished drivers.

Brendon Hartley: From F1 Reserve to Endurance Champion

Brendon Hartley, another ex-F1 driver, joined Toyota’s WEC squad in 2019 after a successful career in prototype racing with Porsche, including two Le Mans wins in 2017 and 2020. His F1 journey was brief, filling in for Pierre Gasly at Toro Rosso in 2018, but his endurance career has been prolific, with multiple WEC titles and Le Mans victories.

In 2025, Hartley continues to race for Toyota, demonstrating the seamless transition from F1 reserve driver to endurance racing stalwart.

Kevin Magnussen: The Return of a F1 Veteran

Kevin Magnussen, who raced extensively in F1 with McLaren and Haas, is making his debut at Le Mans in 2025 in the Hypercar class with BMW M Team WRT. His F1 career includes 185 grands prix and 202 points, with a best finish of second in his first race. After a stint in IMSA and the World Endurance Championship, Magnussen’s switch to endurance racing marks a new chapter, bringing his competitive spirit to La Sarthe for the first time in the top category.

Mick Schumacher: From F1 to Endurance Challenges

Son of legendary Michael Schumacher, Mick Schumacher’s F1 career with Haas spanned from 2021 to 2022, with 43 starts and a best finish of sixth. After his F1 departure, he joined Alpine’s WEC program in 2024, contributing to their first Hypercar podium at Fuji. His debut at Le Mans in 2023 was cut short after 88 laps, but his ongoing commitment to endurance racing signals a promising future in the discipline.

Jenson Button: The 2009 World Champion’s Endurance Journey

Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 world champion, is among the most celebrated drivers in this year’s field. After debuting with Williams in 2000, Button achieved his career highlight with Brawn GP, winning the title in 2009. His versatility extends beyond F1, with successes in GT racing, rallycross, and NASCAR. Button participated in Le Mans in 2018 and 2023, and in 2024, he joined the Cadillac-backed Hertz Team JOTA in the World Endurance Championship, aiming for more endurance glory.

Sebastien Bourdais: From ChampCar to Endurance Legend

After dominating the North American ChampCar scene with four consecutive titles, Bourdais moved to F1 with Toro Rosso in 2008-2009, scoring a best finish of sixth. His endurance career has been equally distinguished, with multiple Le Mans entries, a second-place finish in 2007, and wins in the 12 Hours of Sebring and Daytona in 2022. In 2025, he continues to race in the WEC with Peugeot, bringing his extensive experience to the hyper-competitive field.

Will Stevens: The F1 Reserve Turned Endurance Competitor

Will Stevens, who made a single F1 appearance with Caterham in 2014, has built a solid endurance racing career. After competing in IMSA, ELMS, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he achieved a class victory, Stevens joined JOTA in WEC in 2022. His experience as a McLaren F1 test driver complements his endurance pursuits, and he remains a versatile and dedicated competitor.

Jack Aitken: From F1 Test Driver to Endurance Racer

Jack Aitken, initially a reserve driver for Renault and later Williams, made his F1 debut in 2020. His single race at Sakhir was a notable milestone. Transitioning to endurance racing, Aitken has competed in the European Le Mans Series and IMSA, earning a class victory at Le Mans in 2023. In 2024, he joined Cadillac’s WEC effort, racing the #31 car alongside Pascal Wehrlein, aiming to establish himself as a top endurance contender.

Pascal Wehrlein: The DTM Champion’s Endurance Debut

Pascal Wehrlein, who won the DTM championship at age 21, entered F1 with Manor in 2016 and later raced with Sauber. His transition to endurance racing has been marked by success, including winning the 6 Hours of Spa in 2024 with Porsche. In 2025, Wehrlein makes his debut in the Hypercar class with Porsche Penske Motorsport, continuing his impressive crossover career.

Felipe Nasr: From F1 to Endurance Victories

Felipe Nasr, who competed in F1 with Sauber in 2015-2016, scored 29 points and achieved a top-five finish in his rookie season. After F1, Nasr shifted focus to endurance racing, winning the IMSA championship in 2018, 2021, and 2024, along with victories at Sebring and Daytona. In 2025, he joins Porsche’s Hypercar lineup, partnering with Pascal Wehrlein for their Le Mans debut in the top category.

Paul di Resta: The Veteran’s Endurance Pursuit

Paul di Resta, a former F1 driver with Force India and DTM champion, has transitioned into endurance racing with notable success. He won the LMP2 class at Le Mans in 2020 and now races for Peugeot in the Hypercar category. His extensive racing background makes him a valuable asset in the fiercely competitive field of 2025.

Jean-Eric Vergne: The Double Champion’s Endurance Chapter

Jean-Eric Vergne, a two-time Formula E champion, competed in F1 with Toro Rosso from 2012 to 2014, finishing sixth at the 2013 Australian GP. His endurance career includes entries at Le Mans with Manor and TDS Racing, and since 2023, he has been racing for Peugeot in the Hypercar class. His diverse experience enriches the competitive field at La Sarthe.

Stoffel Vandoorne: The Multi-Discipline Racer

Stoffel Vandoorne, a former McLaren F1 driver and Formula E champion, has been competing in endurance racing since 2019. His recent focus has been with Peugeot in the Hypercar category, where he aims to add to his impressive list of achievements, including a third-place finish at Le Mans in 2024. His versatility across disciplines makes him a key contender in 2025.

Le Mans 2025: A Convergence of F1 and Endurance Legends

The 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours features a remarkable assembly of former F1 drivers, each bringing a wealth of experience from the pinnacle of single-seater racing to the grueling demands of endurance competition. Their participation underscores the evolving landscape of motorsport, where skills honed on the F1 grid translate seamlessly into the relentless test of durability and strategy at La Sarthe. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these seasoned veterans perform in this historic race, blending speed, endurance, and resilience in pursuit of victory.