24h Le Mans
The entry list of 186 drivers destined for the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans (12-16 June) has been announced, including several Formula 1 alumni.
In just a few weeks, multiple F1 stars such as Mick Schumacher, Romain Grosjean, Antonio Giovinazzi, Nyck de Vries, Jenson Button, Robert Kubica and Daniil Kvyat will hit the track at the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans. The presence of Toyota, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Cadillac, BMW, Peugeot and Isotta Fraschini in the Hypercar category has proved a massive draw for single-seater drivers.
Mick Schumacher (age 25) is getting ready to take the start in his rookie 24 Hours at the wheel of Alpine Endurance Team's #36 Alpine A424 shared with Nicolas Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxivière. Schumacher's legendary father, Michael, raced at Le Mans in 1991 with a Sauber C11 Mercedes.
Romain Grosjean (age 38) returns to the 24 Hours 14 years after his sole participation to date. He boasts 179 F1 Grand Prix starts and has been recruited by Lamborghini Iron Lynx to join Andrea Caldarelli and Matteo Cairoli in the #19 SC63.
Nyck de Vries (age 29) will represent TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, a team he knows well after serving as its reserve driver from 2020 to 2022. The Dutchman has four participations in the 24 Hours under his belt, with Racing Team Nederland (2019 and 2020), G-Drive Racing (2021) and TDS Racing X Vaillante (2022).
Jenson Button (age 44), the 2009 F1 world champion, is competing full time in the FIA WEC this season on behalf of Hertz Team JOTA, teaming up with Oliver Rasmussen and Philip Hanson in the #38 Porsche 963. Last year, the British F1 veteran drove the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entered by Hendrick Motorsports. His first 24 Hours dates back to 2018 and SMP Racing's BR Engineering BR1-AER.
Robert Kubica (age 39) has competed in endurance racing since 2021. He won the European Le Mans Series that year with Team WRT and in 2022 finished second in LMP2 at Le Mans with Prema Orlen Team. Kubica is set to share AF Corse's #83 Ferrari 499P with Robert Schwartzman and Yifei Ye this year.
Joining Romain Grosjean in Lamborghini Iron Lynx's arsenal is Daniil Kvyat (age 30). The former Red Bull F1 driver made his debut in the 24 Hours in 2023 at the wheel of Prema Racing's #63 ORECA 07-Gibson (retirement after leaving the track).
Last but not least is Antonio Giovinazzi, the former Sauber F1 Team and Alfa Romeo Racing driver who won the 24 Hours Centenary last year with Ferrari AF Corse. He will join Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado once again to defend their title.
Why are teams entered in the Hypercar category turning to former F1 drivers to fill their ranks? The advantage of recruiting drivers from the world of single-seaters is not limited to skills on the track. Their fame and ability to attract media attention offer undeniable exposure, and they also provide invaluable expertise. Their experience at challenging circuits, ability to perform under pressure and capacity to make informed decisions in extreme conditions are huge assets for endurance racing teams. F1 drivers also bring a disciplined work ethic, analytical approach, the ability to communicate effectively with engineers and the desire to maximise their car's performance: all prerequisites to winning Le Mans.
The presence of Formula 1 drivers at the 24 Hours is a long-standing tradition. Around 20 F1 champions have taken on the iconic classic at various stages of their careers.
As the 92nd 24 Hours approaches, one thing is for sure: the action on the track promises to be as outstanding as the 186 drivers battling to add a win at Le Mans to their career highlight reel.
