APEX RACEWIRE Newsroom
Robert Kubica on the singular magic of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Reflecting on his historic victory, Robert Kubica explains why endurance racing's crown jewel demands first-hand immersion.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-10-26T18:01:00.000Z - 3 min read
Winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans remains one of motorsport's ultimate achievements, but for Robert Kubica, the true essence of the legendary endurance race extends far beyond lap times and tactical execution. Having triumphed last year at the wheel of the AF Corse #83 Ferrari 499P alongside teammates Yifei Ye and Phil Hanson, the experienced Polish driver has a unique perspective on the event. Rather than focusing solely on the competitive battle, Kubica emphasizes the electric atmosphere that envelops the paddock, the city centre, and the grandstands throughout the week.
Kubica experienced his first taste of Le Mans relatively late in his career at the age of 36, partnering with Belgian outfit Team WRT. That initial outing planted the seeds for a deep appreciation of the event's singular character. Adding his name to the illustrious roster of race winners stands as a tremendous professional privilege, yet he notes that the spellbinding nature of the circuit affects everyone involved, regardless of whether they ultimately cross the finish line in first place.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans operates as an all-encompassing festival of motorsport rather than a solitary sporting contest. Throughout race week, a multitude of activities and events run parallel to the track action, creating an ambiance without equal in international competition. Kubica points to the sensory details, from the roar of the high-performance engines to the hushed anticipation lingering right before the start, as elements that weave together an unforgettable patchwork of personal memories.
Looking beyond his active driving career, Kubica already envisions a return to the Circuit de la Sarthe from the other side of the fence. He plans to experience the legendary twice-around-the-clock classic as a spectator, viewing the spectacle from an entirely different angle. To future attendees hoping to capture the true spirit of the event, his core recommendation involves full immersion, specifically suggesting a stay within the infield camping areas to ensure they experience every facet of the weekend.
Beyond personal nostalgia, Kubica's victory carried immense historical weight as the first triumph for a Polish driver in the premier endurance classic. He takes profound pride in breaking new ground for his home nation, viewing it as a sign of Poland's growing motorsport culture and the increasing number of young talents emerging through the ranks. He also highlights the broader national presence in endurance racing, pointing to the success of Inter Europol Competition in the LMP2 category as further evidence of a thriving community.
Kubica's journey at Le Mans also features moments of heartbreak, most notably in 2021 when victory in the LMP2 class slipped away on the very final lap due to a heartbreaking electrical failure on the Team WRT Oreca. Those trials make his subsequent triumph with AF Corse even more poignant. Today, as tickets for the upcoming edition prepare to go on sale, the veteran racer remains an ardent ambassador for the event, urging both fans and aspiring drivers to witness its unique magic first-hand.