Robert Kubica Triumphs at Le Mans 24 Hours with Private Ferrari Team

In a remarkable display of endurance racing, former Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica, at the age of 40, secured victory at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race, driving a privately entered Ferrari 499P. The race, which took place on June 10-11, 2025, saw Kubica, along with his teammates Yifei Ye from China and Britain's Phil Hanson, crossing the finish line 14.084 seconds ahead of their closest competitor, Kevin Estre of Porsche.

Kubica, who previously won the Canadian Grand Prix in 2008 and was once considered one of the most promising drivers of his generation, faced significant challenges throughout his career, including life-changing injuries sustained in a rallying crash in 2011 that severely affected his right wrist. His victory at Le Mans, therefore, not only symbolizes a personal triumph but also a significant comeback in the world of motorsport.

The Ferrari 499P that Kubica drove is noteworthy for marking the third consecutive victory for AF Corse in the top class of the race, a historic achievement considering it was the 100th anniversary of the event. The factory Ferraris, driven by Antonio Giovinazzi and Antonio Fuoco, finished third and fourth, respectively, after encountering mechanical issues in the final stages of the race.

According to Kubica, the win was especially meaningful, as he stated, "Winning Le Mans is special. It's been a demanding week - we made everything possible. We kept our heads down when we had to push, and when not, we took care of the tyres." His sentiments were echoed by team principal Amato Ferrari of AF Corse, who praised the team's strategic management during the race.

This year’s Le Mans saw a sell-out crowd of approximately 300,000 fans, a testament to the race's enduring popularity. However, the 2025 edition was characterized by fewer incidents than usual, with many teams, including the Hertz Team Jota Cadillacs, finishing in the top ranks.

Aston Martin also made a significant return to the endurance racing scene, fielding their Valkyrie cars, which garnered attention for their distinctive engine sound and design. Despite their lower finishing positions, the team expressed satisfaction in completing the race.

The resurgence of interest in endurance racing can be attributed in part to the introduction of the hypercar class in 2021, which has seen manufacturers like Ferrari, Peugeot, and Cadillac re-enter the competition. Experts like Dr. Michael Smith, an automotive analyst at the University of Michigan, noted that the 'balance of performance' rules have fostered a more competitive environment, attracting a diverse range of manufacturers.

The next event in the World Endurance Championship is scheduled for July 13, 2025, in São Paulo, further building on the excitement generated from this year's Le Mans race. Kubica's victory not only enhances his legacy but also highlights the evolving landscape of endurance racing, where innovation and strategy are increasingly pivotal to success.