The **Le Mans 24 Hours** is more than just a race; it's a brutal proving ground where careers are forged, resurrected, or redefined. For fifteen former **Formula 1** drivers, the 2026 edition represents a powerful second act, a chance to etch their names into motorsport legend beyond the pinnacle of single-seater racing. This weekend, these F1 alumni will descend upon La Sarthe, many battling in the elite **Hypercar** class, demonstrating the enduring appeal and competitive fire of these incredible talents.
Key Drivers at Le Mans 2026
- Fifteen former Formula 1 drivers will challenge for victory across various classes.
- The majority of these ex-F1 talents are competing in the top-tier Hypercar category.
- Robert Kubica stands out as the sole F1 Grand Prix winner on the grid.
- Many drivers, like Sebastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley, have found immense success in WEC, eclipsing their F1 stints.
Hypercar Heavyweights: F1 Alumni Chasing Glory
The Hypercar class is a magnet for top talent, and this year's Le Mans is no exception. Several drivers who once graced the F1 grid are now spearheading manufacturer efforts for the ultimate endurance prize.
Toyota Gazoo Racing: Proven Endurance Masters
Kamui Kobayashi, a name synonymous with spectacular F1 overtakes, now leads Toyota Gazoo Racing both as a driver and team principal. Making his 12th Le Mans appearance, Kobayashi boasts an outright 2021 Le Mans victory and multiple WEC Hypercar titles. His F1 career with BMW/Sauber and Caterham included a memorable 2012 Japanese GP podium. He pilots the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid.
Joining him in the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid is Nyck de Vries. After a brief but impactful F1 stint with AlphaTauri, de Vries has firmly re-established himself as an endurance powerhouse. With two WEC wins for Toyota, the Dutchman's talent shines brightly in sportscars, a stark contrast to his short F1 journey.
Over in the #8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid, Sebastien Buemi is an Endurance Racing titan. With a record 27 WEC race wins and a joint record four top-class titles, Buemi's success in sportscars vastly outweighs his three years with Toro Rosso in F1. He’s a former Formula E champion and started the current WEC season with a victory.
Sharing the #8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid with Buemi is Brendon Hartley, another multi-time WEC champion and Le Mans winner. Hartley was a key part of Porsche’s dominant LMP1 era before joining Toyota. His F1 campaign with Toro Rosso, however, never quite delivered on its early promise.
Ferrari AF Corse: The Reigning Champions
The #51 Ferrari 499P features Antonio Giovinazzi, a hero of Ferrari’s dramatic 2023 Le Mans comeback win. His F1 career with Sauber and Alfa Romeo yielded a best finish of fifth, but in endurance racing, Giovinazzi has truly found his stride. He's a formidable force in the WEC Hypercar class.
The most decorated F1 driver on the grid is undoubtedly Robert Kubica, racing the #83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P. The Pole, a 2008 Canadian GP winner, made a remarkable comeback to F1 after a life-altering rally crash. Now, at 41, Kubica is a 2025 Le Mans winner and a formidable contender, showcasing incredible talent and resilience.
Cadillac & Jota: American Muscle, Global Ambition
In the #12 Cadillac V-Series.R, Will Stevens brings a wealth of Le Mans experience, including class wins in GTE Am and LMP2. Now in Hypercar with Jota, Stevens is a key player for a team with genuine victory aspirations, a far cry from his challenging 2015 F1 season with a struggling Marussia.
Driving the #38 Cadillac V-Series.R, Sebastien Bourdais is a motorsport legend, boasting four CART titles and a Daytona 24 Hours outright victory. While a Le Mans class winner, the elusive overall Hypercar victory remains his target. His F1 tenure with Toro Rosso was brief and challenging, but his endurance credentials are undeniable.
Jack Aitken, also in the #38 Cadillac V-Series.R, arrives at Le Mans as the current IMSA GTP class leader. His sole F1 appearance came with Williams at the 2020 Sakhir GP, a memorable if short-lived cameo. With Jota being a full-season WEC entrant, Aitken has his best chance yet at the 24 Hours.
Peugeot TotalEnergies: Pushing for a Breakthrough
Andre Lotterer, piloting the #17 Genesis GMR-001, is a three-time Le Mans winner and multiple WEC champion with Audi and Porsche. After a single F1 start with Caterham, he’s now a driving force behind Genesis' entry into WEC, bringing vast experience to the new project.
Paul di Resta is a veteran of the Peugeot 9X8 project, knowing the car intimately. The former DTM champion and Force India F1 driver brings solid experience and two WEC podiums to the #93 Peugeot 9X8. While a podium at Le Mans might be a stretch for Peugeot this year, di Resta’s consistent performance is crucial.
Stoffel Vandoorne, piloting the #93 Peugeot 9X8, was once heralded as McLaren's next big F1 star. After a tough two seasons in F1, Vandoorne has built a strong endurance career, including an overall podium at Le Mans in 2019 with SMP Racing. He remains a vital asset for Peugeot.
LMP2 & LMGT3: New Horizons
Beyond the Hypercar battle, other former F1 racers are making their mark in different classes, finding new challenges and demonstrating their versatility.
The Next Generation in Endurance
Jack Doohan makes his Le Mans debut in the LMP2 Pro-Am category with Nielsen Racing, driving the #24 Oreca 07. His F1 journey with Alpine was short-lived, but this move into sportscars marks a fresh chapter, offering a new path for the promising Australian talent.
Pietro Fittipaldi, in the #26 Vector Sport Oreca 07, is a seasoned LMP2 campaigner. Grandson of F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi, Pietro competed in two F1 races for Haas in 2020. With an LMP2 WEC win under his belt, he aims for a strong showing at La Sarthe.
Finally, Logan Sargeant brings American representation to the LMGT3 class with Proton, driving the #88 Ford Mustang LMGT3. After a challenging but point-scoring run with Williams in F1, Sargeant has embarked on a full WEC program, with a confirmed move to Hypercar with Ford next year. This is his Le Mans debut, and he’s already shown pace with points at Imola.
The Enduring Spirit of Racing
The 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours grid is a powerful testament to the multifaceted talents of these former Formula 1 drivers. Whether seeking a new pinnacle of success, a fresh start, or simply the thrill of competition, their presence adds an electrifying layer to one of motorsport's greatest spectacles. Prepare for an unforgettable race!
