A temporary passage list for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which incorporates the title of Mick Schumacher, has been discharged.
A huge 62-car field has been revealed for the provisional entry list for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in June, with 16 former F1 drivers included. Among those is Mick Schumacher – son of seven-time world champion Michael – who looks set to take on Le Mans for the first time.
One of the most prestigious races in the motorsport world, Le Mans is the ultimate endurance test for racing drivers. Unlike other events where the winner is determined by the fastest driver across a fixed distance, the Le Mans 24 Hour champion is decided by the driver that covers the most distance across a 24-hour cycle.
Since 2021, Le Mans has included hypercars in the race, which has seen the event grow in popularity among already-established drivers. As a result, it has attracted some major names from the world of F1, with Fernando Alonso among the race’s previous winners.
Ahead of the 2024 edition, more ex-F1 drivers have put their names down, with one of the most notable being Schumacher. The 24-year-old is a reserve driver for Mercedes, but will be competing for the Alpine team at Le Mans instead.
Elsewhere, British driver Jenson Button is also on the list, having signed up for a full season in the World Endurance Championship. Button made his debut at Le Mans back in 2018, but was forced to retire following an engine failure late in the race.
The 2009 F1 World Champion will be racing for Hertz Team Jota in France later this year, while Ferrari heads into the race looking to defend their 2023 crown. A trio of Antonio Giovinazzi, James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi won last year’s event for Ferrari, with the Italian manufacturer once again involved this time around.
In total, 16 ex-F1 drivers make the provisional list, with June’s race expected to be a thrilling encounter. Speaking after the entry list was revealed, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke of his excitement for this year’s Le Mans 24 Hour.
“The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the most iconic events in the history of motorsport,” he said. “The traditional focal point of the FIA World Endurance Championship season.
Last year, I had the pleasure of witnessing this fantastic race on the occasion of its centenary and I’m very much looking forward to this year’s edition, as we celebrate 120 years of the FIA.
“The entry list looks incredibly strong, with 23 Hypercars from nine different manufacturers headlining the 62-car field and 23 LMGT3s promising an ultra-competitive battle in the GT ranks.
“Endurance racing is in a healthy state today and this entry list proves that the right regulatory approach will result in strong interest and competition.”
