The two teams affiliated with the Formula 1 racing community are undoubtedly the local French team Alpine and the iconic Ferrari team, which made a triumphant return to the world’s most prestigious endurance race last year after ending their projects in the World Endurance Championship several decades ago. Now, they have established themselves as a formidable presence and will be fully committed to defending their championship title. It is worth noting that Antonio Giovinazzi is a testament that if drivers fail to stand out in Formula 1, they still have the opportunity to shine in the thriving WEC series.
For many, winning at Le Mans is as prestigious as winning a Grand Prix, given the immense stature of this esteemed 24-hour race. Therefore, Giovinazzi, who struggled to make his mark as an F1 driver, has managed to forge a remarkable career in the world of sports car racing. If the Ferrari F1 team represents the heart of Maranello, then the Hypercar project serves as its soul. Giovinazzi shares the #51 Ferrari 499P, managed by AF Corse, with Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado.
Alpine will rely on their WEC venture to rejuvenate their declining luck and overcome the turbulence they face in Formula 1. A victory in their own country would provide a much-needed boost for the struggling French team as a whole. Mick Schumacher, former Haas driver who became a reserve for Mercedes in F1, will gain valuable experience behind the wheel of the #36 Alpine A424, alongside teammates Nicolas Lapierre and Matthieu Vaxiviere.
In a surprising twist, Jenson Button competed in last year’s Le Mans 24 race in a NASCAR vehicle! However, this year he will be significantly faster as he takes on the challenge in the #38 Hertz Team Jota Porsche, which he will share with Oliver Rasmussen and Phil Hanson. The 2009 F1 World Champion has a favorable opportunity to add the prestigious title of “Le Mans Winner” to his illustrious resume.
In addition to the aforementioned drivers, here’s a glimpse of what other former Formula 1 drivers will be doing at Le Mans this weekend.
