Legendary Le Mans winners

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the oldest and most iconic endurance race in motorsport. Since 1923, this legendary event has tested the limits of speed, strategy and stamina—making every victory hard-earned and unforgettable.

From underdog triumphs to photo finishes, Le Mans has seen it all. Here’s a look back at some of the most historic wins to ever grace the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Legendary winners through the years

Let’s take a lap through the decades with ten of the most defining wins in Le Mans history

2023 FIA World Endurance Championship Round 4Le Mans, France5th - 11th June 2023Photo: Drew Gibson

1923 – André Lagache and René Léonard

Chenard & Walcker Type U3 15CV Sport

The very first winners of Le Mans were two Frenchmen representing Chenard & Walcker. Competing against 18 French entries, plus one from Britain and one from Belgium, they completed 128 laps—over 1350 miles. The field and format have evolved, but the spirit of endurance began right here.

1933 – Tazio Nuvolari and Raymond Sommer

Alfa Romeo 8C-2300 MM

In one of the most dramatic early races, Italian maestro Tazio Nuvolari joined Raymond Sommer to break the distance record and win Le Mans in style. Their Alfa Romeo held off fierce competition in a race so close, both leading cars finished on the same lap—a first in Le Mans history.

1966 – Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren

Ford GT40 Mk.II

This controversial finish made global headlines. Ford’s goal to beat Ferrari reached its climax with a dramatic 1-2-3 finish. But the staged photo op cost Ken Miles the win. Amon and McLaren were declared the victors, having technically started further back on the grid and therefore covered more ground.

1969 – Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver

Ford GT40 – J.W. Automotive Engineering

Ickx boycotted the traditional Le Mans start that year, walking to his car to highlight safety concerns. Hours later, he was in a nail-biting duel with Hans Hermann’s Porsche. After countless lead changes, Ickx clinched victory by just 131 yards—a masterclass in calculated aggression.

1977 – Jacky Ickx and Jürgen Barth

Porsche 936 Spyder – Martini Racing Porsche System

Eight years on, Ickx returned to produce one of the great comeback stories. After an early mechanical failure took out one of the team’s Porsches, Ickx charged through the field, setting lap records as he went. Despite late technical issues, teammate Barth held on to seal the win.

1987 – Derek Bell, Al Holbert and Hans-Joachim Stuck

Porsche 962C – Rothmans Porsche

This was Bell’s fifth and final Le Mans win—and perhaps his smoothest. While rivals fell victim to technical issues, Bell and his team executed a clean race. The result was a commanding victory and a fitting swansong for one of Britain’s most respected endurance drivers.

1991 – Johnny Herbert, Volker Weidler and Bertrand Gachot

Mazda 787B – Mazdaspeed Co. Ltd.

This race marked a seismic shift. Mazda became the first—and still only—manufacturer to win Le Mans with a rotary engine. Herbert drove the final stint flat out, refusing to hand over the car and collapsing from exhaustion at the end. It remains Japan’s only overall win at Le Mans.

1996 – Alexander Wurz, Davy Jones and Manuel Reuter

Porsche WSC95 – Joest Racing

At just 22, Wurz became the youngest ever Le Mans winner. Originally set to walk away from racing, he impressed Joest Racing during testing and earned a seat. The result? A near-perfect debut and a career-reviving victory.

1997 – Tom Kristensen, Michele Alboreto and Stefan Johansson

Porsche WSC95 – Joest Racing

‘Mr Le Mans’ made an unforgettable debut. Drafted in late to replace an injured driver, Kristensen stunned the paddock with relentless pace and calm under pressure. This victory would be the first of a record-breaking nine Le Mans wins.

2008 – Tom Kristensen, Rinaldo Capello and Allan McNish

Audi R10 TDI – Audi Sport North America

Kristensen’s seventh Le Mans victory came in treacherous conditions. While Peugeot had the quicker car on paper, poor tyre choices and unpredictable weather handed the advantage to Audi. The trio kept it clean and consistent, crossing the line after 381 laps.

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