Four ex-Formula 1 drivers are making waves in the 2024 IMSA SportsCar Championship. Here’s a look at their journey so far.
- Paul di Resta, the most experienced, is playing a crucial role with United Autosport.
- Sebastien Bourdais has found new success with the No. 01 Cadillac prototype team.
- Felipe Nasr is shining brightly with Porsche Penske Motorsport, collecting wins.
- Jack Aitken, despite limited F1 experience, is impressing with the No. 31 Cadillac Racing GPT team.
Paul di Resta’s three full seasons in F1 make him the most experienced driver on this list. From 2011 to 2013, he competed for Sahara Force India, securing a best finish of fourth twice. Although he returned briefly for Williams in 2017, di Resta has shifted his focus to endurance racing. This year, he’s with United Autosport’s LMP2 program in IMSA. His best result this season is a third place in Sebring. However, his career highlight remains a class win at the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Sebastien Bourdais joined the Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 team for one full season in 2008 and half of 2009. Though he was replaced by Sebastian Vettel, Bourdais has found success in American open-wheel and endurance racing. Competing with the No. 01 Cadillac prototype team this year, Bourdais’s best finish is a win at Long Beach. Other notable results include two second places, a third, a fifth, and a tenth. The Road America weekend was tough, as he spun the car right after taking over from teammate Renger van der Zande.
Felipe Nasr contested two F1 seasons with Sauber, where his best finish was fifth. Since leaving F1, he’s thrived in prototype racing. This year, he’s with Porsche Penske Motorsport and has clinched wins at the Rolex 24 and the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen. Nasr also boasts three third-place finishes and a second at Road America. His worst finish this year was fourth place in Detroit.
Jack Aitken has the least F1 experience here, having only raced once in the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. Despite his limited F1 career, he’s making a name for himself with the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac Racing GPT team. Partnering with Pipo Derani, Aitken has helped score three second-place finishes and a fourth at Road America.
These four drivers are showing that life after F1 can be just as exhilarating.
Source: Planetf1
