Robert Kubica, the former Formula 1 star, clinched a remarkable victory at the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours behind the wheel of a privately entered Ferrari.
Driving the number 83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P alongside Yifei Ye from China and Britain’s Phil Hanson, Kubica crossed the finish line 14.084 seconds ahead of the number six Porsche 963 driven by France’s Kevin Estre.
Once hailed as one of the finest young talents in F1, Kubica made headlines in 2008 when he secured victory in the Canadian Grand Prix for BMW-Sauber. However, his career faced a severe setback in 2011 due to a rallying accident that left him with debilitating injuries to his right wrist.
The factory number 51 Ferrari 499P, driven by Antonio Giovinazzi, secured third place, with the companion number 50 car, piloted by Antonio Fuoco, taking fourth. Both factory entries faced challenges in the race’s final hour, hindering their chances despite competing fiercely for the lead.
The 499P’s victory marks its third consecutive win at Le Mans, following its historic triumph in 2023—celebrating half a century since the last top-class win.
Reflecting on the race as he completed a grueling final stint, Kubica expressed his joy over the team radio: “It’s been a long 24 hours but an enjoyable one – thank you, everyone.” He later told TNT Sports, “Winning Le Mans is something special. It’s been a challenging week, but we gave our all, pushing when needed and managing our tyres wisely.”
At 40, Kubica remarked on the significance of his victory for himself, his teammates, AF Corse, and the Ferrari brand, celebrating their unprecedented third straight win.
The sold-out race attracted around 300,000 fans to northwestern France in 2025, featuring a surprisingly calm event with fewer incidents than typical for such a competitive gathering.
Meanwhile, the Cadillacs of Hertz Team Jota, which achieved the top two positions in qualifying, finished fifth and eighth, with the latter 38 car including former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button among its drivers.