This weekend, a number of former Formula 1 drivers will compete for glory at a renowned motorsports event.
The motorsport world is abuzz as 186 drivers from 62 teams prepare to take on the grueling challenge of the 2024 Le Mans 24-Hour race, held from June 15-16. This prestigious endurance event, a cornerstone of the motorsport calendar, is part of the coveted ‘Triple Crown’ alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500.
F1 Veterans Rev Up for Le Mans Glory
This year’s race features an impressive roster of 18 former Formula 1 drivers, all eager to etch their names into the annals of motorsport history. Among the high-profile competitors is 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button, who is making his third appearance at Le Mans with Hertz Team Jota. Button, who finished 39th last year, is aiming for a more competitive outing this time around.
Mick Schumacher, son of the legendary Michael Schumacher, will make his Le Mans debut. After a challenging stint with Haas F1 Team from 2021 to 2022, the young German is set to prove his endurance racing mettle.
Frenchman Romain Grosjean returns to the Circuit de la Sarthe after a 14-year hiatus. The former F1 driver, whose career was dramatically interrupted by a severe crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, joins Lamborghini Iron Lynx alongside Daniil Kvyat. The Russian driver, a former Red Bull talent, is also eager to build on his debut performance from last year.
Familiar Faces in the Field
Nyck de Vries, who was released by AlphaTauri mid-season in his debut F1 year, is another notable entrant. De Vries aims to improve on his best Le Mans finish of 12th in 2021. Meanwhile, seasoned endurance racers like Robert Kubica, Antonio Giovinazzi, Paul di Resta, Stoffel Vandoorne, Felipe Nasr, and Kamui Kobayashi bring additional star power and experience to the grid.
Sebastien Bourdais, Andre Lotterer, Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, Will Stevens, Jean-Eric Vergne, and Jack Aitken round out the list of ex-F1 drivers eager to showcase their endurance racing prowess.
The Race to Watch
The 2024 edition of Le Mans promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a blend of seasoned endurance racers and F1 veterans vying for supremacy. As the clock ticks down to the green flag, motorsport enthusiasts around the globe will be eagerly watching to see who can conquer the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe and cover the greatest distance in 24 hours.
For some, it’s a chance to rekindle their racing careers, while for others, it’s the ultimate test of endurance and skill. Regardless of the outcome, the convergence of such talent guarantees a race to remember.
