The 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with a star-studded lineup of drivers, many of whom have made their mark in Formula 1. Here's a closer look at the former F1 drivers who will be taking on the iconic race.
The Hypercar Heroes
Kamui Kobayashi: A veteran of the sport, Kobayashi has won the 2021 race outright and claimed two top-class titles in the WEC. He's a key figure for Toyota Racing, with his twin role as driver and team principal. His F1 experience with BMW/Sauber and Caterham will be a valuable asset.
Nyck de Vries: De Vries has re-established himself in sportscar racing with Toyota. His F1 career was short-lived, but he's now an important part of Toyota's Hypercar program, having scored two outright WEC wins. A fascinating journey from single-seaters to endurance racing.
Sebastien Buemi: Buemi's WEC record is impressive, with 27 race wins and four top-class titles. He's a former Formula E champion and has brought his experience to Toyota. His F1 days with Toro Rosso were less successful, but his WEC success speaks for itself.
Brendon Hartley: Hartley shares Buemi's WEC record, having won some of the biggest endurance racing prizes with Porsche. His F1 time with Toro Rosso didn't click, but his sportscar success is undeniable.
Will Stevens: Stevens made his Hypercar debut in 2023 with Jota, scoring class wins at Le Mans. His F1 career with Caterham and Marussia was challenging, but his WEC success is a testament to his skill.
Andre Lotterer: A veteran of sportscar racing, Lotterer has won three LMP1 wins and an overall title with Audi. His F1 debut with Caterham was short-lived, but his experience will be invaluable.
Sebastien Bourdais: Bourdais is a legend at Le Mans, with his four CART titles and one class win. His F1 career with Toro Rosso was underwhelming, but his endurance racing success speaks for itself.
Jack Aitken: Aitken arrives at Le Mans as the IMSA GTP class leader. His F1 experience with Williams was limited, but his WEC success with Jota is a promising sign.
Antonio Giovinazzi: Giovinazzi's WEC success with Ferrari is notable, especially their historic comeback win at Le Mans in 2023. His F1 days with Sauber/Alfa Romeo were underwhelming, but his WEC success is impressive.
Robert Kubica: Kubica's F1 career was cut short by a rally crash, but he returned to the championship with Williams. His WEC success with AF Corse's Ferrari is a testament to his skill, and he's a favorite for victory.
Paul di Resta: Di Resta has been a key part of Peugeot's 9X8 program, scoring two podiums. His F1 career with Force India was promising, but his WEC success is a fascinating contrast.
Stoffel Vandoorne: Vandoorne's WEC career with Peugeot is impressive, with one overall podium at Le Mans. His F1 days with McLaren were underwhelming, but his endurance racing success is notable.
The LMP2 Contenders
Jack Doohan: Doohan's F1 career was short-lived, but he's making his Le Mans debut in the Pro-Am sub-category. His move to sportscar racing with Nielsen Racing is an interesting development.
Pietro Fittipaldi: Fittipaldi will be competing at Le Mans with a fourth different LMP2 team in as many years. His F1 experience with Haas was limited, but his WEC success with Jota is a strong point.
The LMGT3 Challenger
- Logan Sargeant: Sargeant will be making his Le Mans debut in LMGT3 with Proton. His F1 career with Williams was cut short, but his WEC success with Ford is a promising sign for the future.
These drivers bring a wealth of experience and talent to the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours, and their stories from the world of Formula 1 add an extra layer of intrigue to the race.
