Patryk Stachowiak
Le Mans, France — In one of motorsport’s most stirring tales of grit and redemption, Poland’s Robert Kubica etched his name into racing legend by capturing the 2024 Le Mans 24 Hours title alongside China’s Ye Yifei and Britain’s Philip Hanson. The No. 83 Ferrari 499P, operated by AF Corse under Ferrari’s works partnership, sealed victory after 387 laps, marking Ferrari’s third straight win at La Sarthe and a landmark first overall win for both Poland and China.
An Emotional Milestone for Kubica
For Kubica, this wasn’t just a race — it was the culmination of a journey defined by resilience. Seriously injured in a 2011 rally crash that led to the partial amputation of his forearm, the former F1 star once tipped for a Ferrari seat saw his top-tier career cut short. Yet, true to form, he fought back — returning to racing just a year later, and now, 13 years on, he’s conquered the world’s greatest endurance test.
“We deserve it. Happy for Ferrari. Three years in a row with three different crews — it is amazing,” Kubica said, after executing five stints over three hours in the final phase. “I was not supposed to do five stints at the end, but I controlled everything with a cool head — no mistakes. We brought it home.”
Hypercar Class at Its Fiercest
The 2024 race showcased the hypercar class in peak form. With eight major manufacturers battling at sprint-like intensity and only one safety car intervention, every second counted. Kubica’s No. 83 Ferrari crossed the line just 14 seconds ahead of the No. 6 Porsche of Kevin Estre, Laurens Vanthoor, and Matt Campbell. Ferrari’s No. 51 and No. 50 entries followed closely, ensuring a Scuderia sweep of the top four — all within 30 seconds of each other.
Porsche’s Roaring Comeback
Starting from the back after a weight-based disqualification in qualifying, Estre unleashed a storm. With Roger Federer waving the flag to start proceedings, the No. 6 Porsche surged to third within two hours, constantly pressuring Ferrari across the 24-hour battle. At times, Porsche even seized the lead — but Ferrari’s pace, endurance, and strategic composure proved decisive in the closing hours.
Drama Within the Ranks
Ironically, Ferrari’s biggest threat came from within. For much of the race, the works cars appeared poised for glory — particularly the No. 51, led by Alessandro Pier Guidi. But with under four hours to go, Pier Guidi spun into the gravel at the pit lane chicane — a minor mistake with major consequences. The misstep opened the door for No. 83, which never looked back.
Tension remained high as the No. 6 Porsche clawed its way back to second, setting up a breathtaking final charge. Yet Kubica, ever the fighter, stayed ice-cold under pressure, delivering a faultless finale to one of the closest finishes in modern Le Mans history.
Class Winners and Milestones
In the LMP2 category, the Inter Europol Competition Oreca driven by Tom Dillmann, Jakub Smiechowski, and Nick Yelloly took top honours. Meanwhile, in LMGT3, the Manthey Porsche crew of Richard Lietz, Riccardo Pera, and Ryan Hardwick claimed victory, rounding off a dramatic day under the French skies.
A Ferrari Legacy Reaffirmed
While the Italian marque might have hoped for a works team win, it was nonetheless a Ferrari that triumphed — and in spectacular fashion. Since re-entering the hypercar arena in 2023 after a 50-year absence, the Prancing Horse has now made it three consecutive Le Mans wins — a feat not seen since their golden era of 1960–1965. That history just gained another unforgettable chapter.
For Robert Kubica, it was not just a victory. It was validation, restoration, and — above all — the fulfillment of a destiny once derailed, now driven home with heart, horsepower, and history.