The 24 Hours of Le Mans: Start times, schedule & how to w…read more
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most iconic and prestigious races in motorsport history, is set to return for its 93rd edition from June 15 to June 16, 2025. Taking place at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, this grueling endurance challenge will feature 186 drivers from 62 teams, all vying for glory by covering the greatest distance in a continuous 24-hour period. With its unique blend of speed, strategy, and stamina, Le Mans remains a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts around the world.
This year’s edition promises even more excitement for fans, particularly those in the UK, where the race will be available to watch live and for free on television—an increasingly rare treat in today’s era of paywalled sports broadcasting. The accessibility of this year’s event ensures that a wider audience can tune in to witness the thrill, drama, and unpredictability that have come to define Le Mans over the decades. Coverage will begin shortly before the race’s traditional 3:00 PM local time (2:00 PM BST) start on Saturday, June 15, and will continue non-stop through to the finish line on Sunday afternoon.
What makes the 2025 edition even more intriguing is the participation of several former Formula 1 stars, who bring with them a wealth of experience and fan recognition. Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 World Champion, returns to the endurance scene, trading his Formula 1 single-seater for a cutting-edge Hypercar. He is joined by a strong lineup of fellow ex-F1 drivers, including Mick Schumacher, son of the legendary Michael Schumacher, and Nyck de Vries, who also made his mark in Formula E and F1. The grid will also feature other familiar faces like Robert Kubica, Antonio Giovinazzi, Paul di Resta, and Stoffel Vandoorne. Their involvement bridges the worlds of Formula 1 and endurance racing, attracting a broader fan base and adding a layer of prestige to the already illustrious event.
The cars themselves are also a major draw. The Hypercar class, which replaced the LMP1 category, continues to evolve with increasing manufacturer involvement. Brands like Toyota, Ferrari, Porsche, Peugeot, and Cadillac are fielding state-of-the-art machines that combine hybrid powertrains, aerodynamic advancements, and cutting-edge materials. The competition among these manufacturers is fierce, and with more brands entering the fray each year, the 2025 race is expected to be one of the most hotly contested in recent memory.
Beyond the star-studded driver line-up and engineering marvels on display, Le Mans carries a deep historical significance. It is part of the elusive ‘Triple Crown of Motorsport,’ which also includes the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500. Only one driver in history—Graham Hill—has won all three, underscoring the rarity and difficulty of achieving such a feat. For drivers and fans alike, Le Mans is not just another race; it is a rite of passage, a test of endurance, and a celebration of automotive excellence.
In addition to the on-track action, the Le Mans weekend offers a festival-like atmosphere, complete with fan zones, music, classic car displays, and a shared sense of global camaraderie. Whether you’re a motorsport veteran or a casual viewer discovering the race for the first time, Le Mans 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience.
So mark your calendars for June 15–16, set your alarms, and get ready to watch one of motorsport’s greatest spectacles unfold. With free TV access for UK fans, there’s no reason to miss a single minute of this incredible event.
