Kubica Embraces Mental Victory to Secure Success at Le Mans
In a spectacular triumph, the 40-year-old Polish racer, Robert Kubica, claimed a thrilling victory at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race in his privateer Ferrari, marking the third consecutive win for the Italian brand in this prestigious endurance event.
In the nail-biting 93rd edition of the race, Kubica, along with his AF Corse teammates Philip Hanson and Ye Yifei (#83), clinched the victory just 14.084 seconds ahead of a Porsche (#6) driven by Kevin Estre, Matt Campbell, and Laurens Vanthoor. This narrow margin pushed the two factory Ferraris onto the third and fourth positions, underlining the sheer intensity and unpredictability of the race.
As Kubica crossed the finish line, he was heard over the team radio expressing his gratitude, "Grazie mille, grazie a tutti," before claiming the checkered flag. The victory underscores Kubica’s remarkable journey in motorsport.
Once a bright prospect in Formula One, Kubica’s promising career appeared to be cut short following a horrific accident in a rally in Andorra in 2011. Trapped upside down in his car, Kubica sustained severe injuries and underwent a partial amputation of his right forearm. However, he has repeatedly emphasized his fortune in surviving and his utter determination to return to racing.
"What happened was very unfortunate, but I was very lucky," he said after the victory. "It took me quite a few years, not only to recover physically but also mentally. What happened happened, and I have to accept it. One of the worst periods of my life was when my mind wouldn't accept the fact that my arm was failing."
Following his recovery, Kubica did not let the accident hold him back. He returned to racing cars and eventually claimed the WRC2 championship. His journey led him back to Formula One in 2017, testing for Renault before racing for Williams in 2019.
Sunday’s win at Le Mans represents the pinnacle of Kubica’s racing achievements, surpassing even his victory at the 2008 Canada Grand Prix. "It was quite difficult to live with, but I'm happy to have achieved my personal goals," he said. "The best thing I've achieved in my life — it's nothing to do with racing — it's more the battle I won with my mind."
Kubica’s co-drivers Ye Yifei and Philip Hanson also tasted their first victories, with Ye becoming the first Chinese driver to secure a win in the event.
While Ferrari celebrated three out of the top four positions, there might be a few puzzled faces in Maranello. As the winning car was not entered directly by the manufacturer, but by the AF Corse team, Ferrari will not receive the points for the victory in the World Endurance Championship.
The race saw Cadillac locking out the front row of the grid, with the #12 car (Will Stephens) taking pole but ultimately settling for fifth place. The second Cadillac car featuring former Formula One world champion Jenson Button came home in eighth.
© 2025 AFP
(Enrichment Data)As of June 2025, following his Le Mans 24 Hours victory with AF Corse driving the #83 Ferrari 499P alongside teammates Yifei Ye and Philip Hanson, Robert Kubica’s official plans for the rest of his motorsport career have not been publicly announced[2][5].
Kubica’s win is widely regarded as a remarkable achievement in a career already recognized for extraordinary resilience—especially given his comeback from the severe rally accident in 2011 that affected his right arm and hand, as well as his subsequent adaptation and return to top-tier racing[5][1]. While he will likely continue to be involved in high-level endurance racing, possibly with Ferrari and the World Endurance Championship (WEC), there are no confirmed reports of future team or championship commitments at this stage[5].
Kubica is known for his determination and has a reputation for pushing himself and his teams hard. The Le Mans win cements his legacy not just as a former Formula 1 driver, but as a versatile and successful competitor in endurance racing as well[5]. Media coverage emphasizes that his victory is a story of redemption and perseverance, but does not specify his next steps in the sport[5].
Despite the lack of official announcements, Robert Kubica's motorsport career may continue to include high-level endurance races, such as those in the World Endurance Championship, following his thrilling victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours race in Canada.His remarkable win at Le Mans, achieved with his teammates in a sports Ferrari, surpassed even his triumph at the 2008 Formula One Canadian Grand Prix, underscoring his success in both Formula One and sports racing.
