In a major announcement that marks the end of an era in endurance racing, Nicolas Lapierre, a stalwart of sports car racing, has officially retired from professional racing. The 40-year-old French driver, known for his mastery in prototype cars and his leadership as a team manager, revealed his decision on social media, confirming that he will not compete in the FIA WEC season finale in Bahrain next month.
Lapierre’s illustrious career boasts an impressive array of accolades, including four class wins at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, two Sebring 12 Hours victories, and six overall wins during his time as a Toyota LMP1 driver. His final race at the Fuji Speedway last month saw him stand on the Hypercar podium, driving the Alpine No. 36 A424—an emotional capstone to his 20-year career.
“A Fitting Farewell on the Podium”
“Fuji was my last race as a driver,” Lapierre shared. “It’s time for me to hang up my helmet and end this chapter of my life. It was great to finish this journey on the podium and spray the champagne once more.” His departure from racing comes after a season that saw him not only compete but also play a key role in Alpine’s Hypercar program, with recent successes solidifying his legacy as one of endurance racing’s greats.
“A New Chapter Awaits”
While Lapierre is stepping away from the cockpit, he teased a new role in motorsport that will keep him close to the action. “I’m about to start a new chapter on the other side of the pit wall,” he hinted, suggesting that his future may involve an expanded role in team management. Having managed the LMP2 team Cool Racing in the European Le Mans Series alongside his driving duties, Lapierre is no stranger to leadership, and his experience will undoubtedly make him an asset in this capacity.
“End of an Era, But Who Will Step Up?”
Alpine has yet to announce who will replace Lapierre for the season finale in Bahrain, but Jules Gounon, the team’s Hypercar reserve driver, is the most likely candidate. Gounon has already made three starts for Alpine this year, including at Imola, Spa, and Fuji, making him a natural choice to fill the void.
“A Career Full of Triumphs”
Lapierre’s legacy extends far beyond his four Le Mans class wins. His time with Toyota’s LMP1 program, where he clinched multiple overall victories, and his two FIA WEC LMP2 championships with Signatech Alpine in 2016 and 2018/19, demonstrate his versatility and consistency at the highest levels of endurance racing. His victory at the Macau Grand Prix further underscores his broad racing pedigree.
As Lapierre transitions to a new chapter, the endurance racing world will miss his skill behind the wheel but looks forward to his continued contributions from the other side of the pit wall.
