Former Formula 1 Drivers Set to Shine at the 2026 24… read more 👇 full details in the commentsÂ
Motorsport fans are enjoying one of the busiest and most exciting periods of the racing calendar, with two major events taking place this week. While Formula 1 heads to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, endurance racing enthusiasts are turning their attention to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.
The 2026 edition of the world-famous endurance race officially began on Wednesday, June 10, with drivers taking part in practice sessions and the opening qualifying rounds. Teams immediately got to work preparing their cars and strategies for one of the toughest challenges in motorsport.
Action continues on Thursday with the highly anticipated Hyperpole sessions, which will determine the starting grid for the race. Drivers will then return to the track later in the evening for a final practice session, giving them valuable experience in night-time conditions before the main event begins.
The 94th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled to start at 4:00 PM local time on Saturday, June 13. Competitors will race continuously through the night before the chequered flag falls on Sunday afternoon. The event remains one of the most prestigious races in the world, testing speed, reliability, teamwork, and endurance over a full day of competition.
A total of 186 drivers will compete this year, and Formula 1 fans watching the race will recognize several familiar names. Many former F1 drivers have successfully transitioned to endurance racing and now form an important part of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) grid.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans serves as the third round of the 2026 WEC season, following earlier races including the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. As always, Ferrari enters the event among the favourites after enjoying recent success at the historic circuit.
One of the biggest stories remains the remarkable journey of Robert Kubica. The Polish driver secured victory at Le Mans last year alongside teammates Phil Hanson and Yifei Ye, delivering an unforgettable achievement in his racing career. Kubica returns in 2026 hoping to defend that success and add another chapter to his impressive comeback story.
Kubica’s Formula 1 career spanned several years, beginning in 2006. During his time in the sport, he drove for teams including BMW Sauber, Renault, Williams, and Alfa Romeo. His greatest F1 triumph came at the 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix, where he claimed his only Formula 1 victory.
His career appeared destined for even greater achievements before a devastating rally accident in 2011 caused life-threatening injuries and dramatically altered his future. At the time, Kubica had already signed an agreement to join Ferrari for the following Formula 1 season. Despite the setback, he fought his way back to top-level motorsport and has since become one of endurance racing’s most respected competitors.
Ferrari will once again field several drivers with Formula 1 connections. Antonio Giovinazzi returns as part of the manufacturer’s Hypercar programme alongside James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi. The trio delivered a strong performance in previous Le Mans events and remain among the contenders for victory.
The growing presence of former Formula 1 drivers at Le Mans highlights the close relationship between the two disciplines. While Formula 1 focuses on short, high-intensity races, endurance racing requires drivers to share cars, manage fatigue, and maintain performance over extended periods. Many former F1 stars have embraced this challenge and found considerable success.
As the countdown to the green flag continues, fans can expect a fascinating battle between experienced endurance specialists and former Formula 1 racers eager to add one of motorsport’s most coveted trophies to their collections. With world-class teams, elite drivers, and the unique challenge of racing for 24 consecutive hours, the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans promises another unforgettable spectacle.