Ex-F1 driver insists Toyota 'missing something' in 'tough' Le Mans defeat

Kamui Kobayashi has shared his disappointment at coming so close to victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ultimately finishing second for Toyota Gazoo Racing.

The driver of the No. 7 car reflected on the race, admitting the team “missed something” as it failed to beat the No. 50 Ferrari of Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen.

It's two victories in two years for the Italian brand, the number 51 car having won last year, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the first edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Running out of energy, it was crucial to know whether a final pit stop would be necessary for the #51 Ferrari, which would have given victory to Kobayashi and teammates Nyck de Vries and Jose Maria Lopez – who was recruited from the last minute to cover the injured Mike Conway.

After qualifying at the back of the hypercar class, the No. 7 powered its way through the field to claim the podium, with sister car No. 8 also closing in on glory, which Kobayashi mentioned while thinking about the weather and the safety car. -affected 24 hours.

“We did everything we could,” the 37-year-old told Eurosport after the 24 hours. “Of course, I think we started last [in class], we are obviously missing something – it is not enough. We also had some problems. But yes, the last piece [of the race] was not enough.

“The whole team did everything they could, and of course it's a shame for the No. 8 car. I think they also had the opportunity to win, still fighting with the No. 8 car. °50. [the winning Ferrari]but contact with car n°51 [the third-place Ferrari] I just brought them back to fifth position. It's pretty tough for us, but it's racing.”

The philosophy of Toyota Gazoo Racing

The former F1 driver, who raced for Toyota, Sauber and Caterham between 2009 and 2014, became the first Japanese driver to reach the podium in Japan for 22 years at the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix.

He took up endurance racing in 2016, winning the world title in 2019-20 and 2021, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the latter year, becoming the fourth Japanese driver to do so.

Looking back on the 2024 edition of the race, he shared how much he enjoyed the challenge while highlighting the philosophy behind his team.

“We did everything, I think we took all the risks, and obviously we knew it was going to be a challenge, but without a challenge we will never win,” he said.

“So we always do our best – and that’s a philosophy of Toyota Gazoo Racing, that’s why we never give up – we try until the end.”