"The Endeavor of a Full Day: The Demands of Conquering the Globe's Renowned Marathon Race, Le Mans"
Ready to conquer the world's most grueling endurance race? Grit, willpower, and a dose of luck will take you far, but here are some tips, tricks, and secrets from the pros to help you take the checkered flag at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Starting this Saturday, we'll watch the tireless efforts of 62 teams composed of 186 elite drivers battle it out for the prestigious title in the Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3 classes.
Oliver Gavin, a five-time 24 Hours of Le Mans victor, lets us in on his secrets. "Le Mans is the bee's knees," Gavin told our site. "Lots of pressure, heavy mental exertion, and physical burden – it's intense." To cope with the stress and exhaustion, Gavin relies on acupuncture to unwind when he's not chasing his competitors around the course. Finding a way to nap during your teammate's stint can be tricky, but it's all about trial and error. "I give a few lotions and potions a shot," Gavin admitted. "Acupuncture worked for me – needles in my face, feet, and shoulders. It helped me catch some z's and came down from the buzz and adrenaline."
For drivers fighting to stay alert at 3 a.m., caffeine may seem like a lifesaver, but moderation is key. According to Dr. Brian Krabak, a clinical professor of rehabilitation, orthopedics, and sports medicine at the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, sleep deprivation can lead to a loss of quick reflexes, which might lead to accidents. "Newbies will get themselves into trouble if they try something new," Krabak warned.
The grueling 8.5-mile circuit subject drivers' bodies to strong g-forces, demanding they engage in rigorous endurance training programs months, even years, before Le Mans. "Drivers need to be well-conditioned in terms of strength and flexibility," Krabak said. "Your head is bopping around even with a helmet on."
Dr. Jade Cobern, a board-certified physician in preventive medicine and a fellow of our Medical Unit, emphasized the dangers of physical and mental fatigue in high-pressure environments like Le Mans. "Teams need to thrive at top levels for extended periods, driving at high speeds and dealing with unpredictable conditions, plus facing the risk of sleep deprivation. All of this can lead to errors with potentially catastrophic results."
Before the race, we spoke with several drivers who shared their insights on training, preparation, and mental fortitude. Here's what they had to say:
Alex Lynn, 2020 Le Mans winner (LMGTE Pro class), competing in the No. 12 Cadillac V-Series.R
The race pushes both your mind and body to the limit. I'm focusing on improving my mobility, particularly my upper back. When you're confined to a race car with limited space for extended periods, cramping becomes common. I'm also working on increasing my mental capacity and energy throughout the race week. Practice makes perfect – I brought my own personal trainer along to ensure I get the best rest possible. In the past, I've relied on setting an alarm to wake up, but now I just let my trainer handle that. Waking up and treating it like a new day helps me maximize rest and stay sharp during the race.
Felipe Nasr, 2024 and 2025 winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, competing in the No. 4 Porsche 963
Endurance racing is the wildest, most dynamic discipline there is. I'm after that Le Mans victory. Before I clamber into the car, I like to be in my own corner and visualize myself tying the seat belt, plugging in the radio, leaving the pit lane, and driving a lap – I rehearse this over and over all weekend. Aligning my body and mind before jumping in helps me get ready for the adrenaline rush. When I get out, I debrief with my team about my performance. After driving for two or more hours, I burn off 1,000 calories. Hydration is essential during the race. Once I'm back to my RV, I meet with my physiotherapist for a deep tissue massage and relaxation session. I take a call 1.5 hours before I have to hop back into the garage again. I take a cold shower and do a few exercises to wake up my body. I get a caffeine boost by drinking coffee, but I watch how much I consume to avoid becoming overstimulated. I also rely on fruits as they're easy to digest. I aim to eat at least two hours before I'm scheduled to climb back into the car.
Jamie Chadwick, Triple W series champion, competing in her first Le Mans in the No. 18 Oreca 07-Gibson
I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from seasoned drivers like Tom Kristensen, Mark Webber, and Jenson Button. My teammate, André Lotterer, is also a three-time Le Mans winner. I've been focusing on conserving my energy to ensure I have enough in the tank for race day. Driving at night is something I'm not familiar with, so I need to work on that aspect. I won't have a lot of sleep and will be relying on caffeine to keep me going for 24 hours. I'm bringing my own coffee machine along for a bit of comfort. My training has shifted to incorporate endurance activities like trail running and cycling, which require mental focus. I'm more excited than nervous to be honest – I just want to enjoy the race. I've never driven at Le Mans, so there will be a lot of sim training for me to learn the circuit. I have a few friends and family coming to the race, and I just want to finish strong.
Mike Conway, 2021 Le Mans winner (Hypercar class), competing in the No. 7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid
The competition this year is tougher with 21 Hypercars fighting for the top spot. The pressure never really goes away, but I try to tuck distractions away. I've learned more about myself over the years and incorporate different things to improve my performance. I was injured last year and missed Le Mans, so I changed my approach to fitness to ensure my body is stronger now. Sleeping during the race has always been a challenge, but I don't get much rest anyway. When I get out of the car, I try to relax and hydrate. I stick with creature comforts, like my pillow, and bring my own food and drinks, such as gluten-free items, to help ease my mind.
Nyck de Vries, competing in the No. 7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid
I've competed at Le Mans five times now, so my preparation hasn't significantly changed. Isolating myself helps me stay focused on the race. I don't have specific routines – I take a quick debrief with the engineers after each stint, shower, and then grab a minute to rest before getting ready for the next stint. I don't drink coffee because I treat each stint like a new race. I prioritize sleep above all else – I catch naps whenever I can and rely on my physiotherapist to wake me up before each stint. Sim training has been essential as it helps me learn the circuit and master my driving skills. The key to success at Le Mans is endurance, grit, and the ability to adapt and overcome adversity.
- Rather than relying solely on caffeine, drivers should maintain a balanced approach to staying alert, as Dr. Brian Krabak advises, considering the potential risks of sleep deprivation.
- To cope with the intense physical and mental demands of Le Mans, some drivers, like Oliver Gavin, turn to acupuncture for relaxation and sleep enhancement.
- Before the race, Jamie Chadwick, a first-time Le Mans competitor, focuses on conserving her energy and improving her night-time driving skills through sim training and the support of experienced drivers.
- Mike Conway, a multiple Le Mans winner, stresses the importance of mental focus, adaptability, and grit in overcoming the high competition and grueling conditions at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
