Le Mans, France – 16 June 2025
Against the backdrop of a record-breaking 332,000 fans, Alpine Endurance Team brought both A424 Hypercars home in the 93rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, securing a hard-fought tenth and eleventh place finish at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe. It marked a significant milestone in the A-arrow brand’s return to endurance racing’s top class — a year on from their premier category debut — and set a determined tone for seasons to come.
Despite enduring a race punctuated by mechanical hurdles, time penalties, and relentless on-track battles, the French squad showed resilience and steady progress throughout the world’s most prestigious endurance race. With eyes already fixed on 2026, Alpine has laid firm foundations for even greater performance in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s headline event.
Fighting Through the Field
The week began with promise as Alpine hit the track early during the official Test Day, sharpening their race package during Wednesday and Thursday’s free practice sessions. Qualifying delivered further encouragement: both A424s made it through to Hyperpole, with Mick Schumacher putting the #36 car ninth on the grid and Paul-Loup Chatin qualifying twelfth in the #35 — missing the top ten by a mere 0.092 seconds.
The team balanced the high-profile drivers’ parade on Friday with final warm-up routines, ensuring both cars were race-ready for the 4 pm Saturday start. Frédéric Makowiecki and Ferdinand Habsburg led the charge in the initial warm-up stint, dialling in the final system checks.
The race began in the presence of Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, with the two Alpine cars cautiously navigating the early chaos to stay within reach of the top ten. But endurance racing rarely runs without incident. Early on, the #36 faced a pressurisation issue in the battery cooling system, compounded by pit lane speeding infractions for both cars. Later, the #35 incurred a drive-through penalty after light contact with another competitor.
Through the Night and Into the Light
Despite these setbacks, both teams refused to relent. Schumacher and Jules Gounon rotated duties in the #36, while Chatin, Habsburg, and Charles Milesi stayed committed in the #35. As night cloaked the circuit, the Alpine crews pushed through one of the race’s only safety car periods and maintained consistent pace, often running among the fastest on track.
But there was no let-up from the infamous La Sarthe. Just as the #36 had clawed its way back to 13th, Gounon suffered a lock-up at Mulsanne, sending the car into the gravel. A full course yellow followed, forcing an emergency pit stop and an unplanned driver change to Schumacher.
Nevertheless, Alpine kept their momentum in the final hours. Thanks to faultless stints by Chatin, Habsburg, and Milesi, the #35 car surged into the top ten, securing tenth at the chequered flag. The #36 crew — Gounon, Makowiecki, and Schumacher — claimed eleventh after a spirited final push against the #94 Peugeot.
Celebrating the Past, Racing for the Future
Beyond the race itself, Alpine captivated fans throughout the week. From parades and displays marking the brand’s 70th anniversary to high-profile demonstrations of the hydrogen-powered Alpenglow Hy6, the French marque celebrated its legacy while looking boldly to a carbon-free racing future.
Next Stop: São Paulo
With Le Mans complete, Alpine Endurance Team shifts focus to round five of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship — the 6 Hours of São Paulo, taking place from 11–13 July. Having proven their staying power in the most demanding race on the calendar, the A-arrow squad continues their evolution with confidence and grit, racing ever closer to the front.
Alpine Endurance Team’s tenacity at Le Mans was more than a show of reliability — it was a testament to the brand’s ambition, capability, and spirit in the world of top-flight endurance racing.
