The 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours is set to be a thrilling event, with a star-studded lineup of drivers, many of whom have a Formula 1 background. This year's race will see 15 former F1 drivers take to the track, showcasing their skills in the Hypercar class. Among them are some familiar names, while others are making their Le Mans debut. Here's a closer look at these drivers and their journey from F1 to sportscar racing.
Nyck de Vries
Nyck de Vries, a former AlphaTauri driver, has found a new home in sportscar racing with Toyota. He's been an integral part of Toyota's Hypercar program, scoring two outright WEC wins. His F1 career was short-lived, but his experience in LMP2 and Formula E has prepared him well for the challenges of endurance racing.
Sebastien Buemi
Sebastien Buemi, a former Toro Rosso driver, has a rich history in WEC, holding the record for the most race wins and top-class titles. His move to Toyota in 2023 has been a successful one, and he's a key figure in the team's LMP1 and Hypercar programs. Buemi's time in F1 with Toro Rosso was less successful, but his WEC achievements speak for themselves.
Brendon Hartley
Brendon Hartley, another former Toro Rosso driver, shares Buemi's WEC success. He's a veteran of Porsche's dominant 919 Hybrid program and has since moved to Toyota, where he's achieved several wins and championships. Hartley's F1 career with Toro Rosso was not as successful, but his sportscar racing prowess is undeniable.
Will Stevens
Will Stevens, a former Caterham and Marussia driver, made a successful transition to Hypercar in 2023 with Jota. He's a class winner at Le Mans in both GTE Am and LMP2, and with Cadillac expected to be a strong contender, Stevens is a driver to watch.
Andre Lotterer
Andre Lotterer, a veteran of sportscar racing, has won three LMP1 victories and an overall title with Audi. He's now helping Genesis' entry into the WEC. Lotterer's F1 career was brief, but his experience in sportscar racing is invaluable.
Sebastien Bourdais
Sebastien Bourdais, a four-time CART champion, has also tasted success at Le Mans, scoring one class win. He's chasing his first Hypercar victory, and his experience in various racing series makes him a formidable competitor.
Jack Aitken
Jack Aitken, a former Williams driver, is the championship leader in IMSA's GTP class. His Le Mans appearances with Action Express Racing were less successful, but with Jota, he has a better chance at success.
Antonio Giovinazzi
Antonio Giovinazzi, a former Sauber and Alfa Romeo driver, has been a key part of Ferrari's WEC success. His move to sportscars came after a disappointing F1 career, but he's made a strong impact in endurance racing.
Robert Kubica
Robert Kubica, a former BMW, Renault, Williams, and Alfa Romeo driver, made history by winning Le Mans for the first time in 2025. His F1 career was cut short by a rally crash, but he's returned to the sport with AF Corse's satellite Ferrari.
Paul di Resta
Paul di Resta, a former Force India driver, has been with Peugeot's 9X8 program since its inception. He's scored two podiums and knows the car well, but Peugeot's chances at Le Mans are uncertain.
Stoffel Vandoorne
Stoffel Vandoorne, a former McLaren driver, is in his third season with Peugeot. He initially joined Genesis but returned to Peugeot after a deal fell through. Vandoorne has a podium finish at Le Mans, and his F1 career, despite being short-lived, has prepared him for the challenges of endurance racing.
Jack Doohan
Jack Doohan, a former Alpine driver, made his Le Mans debut this year with Nielsen Racing in the LMP2 class. His F1 career was brief, but his move to sportscar racing is an interesting development.
Pietro Fittipaldi
Pietro Fittipaldi, a former Haas driver, will be competing at Le Mans with a fourth different LMP2 team. He's aiming for a better result after finishing seventh last year.
Logan Sargeant
Logan Sargeant, a former Williams driver, will make his Le Mans debut in LMGT3 with Proton. He's already shown promise in the Hypercar category, and his move to endurance racing is an exciting prospect.
