The 93rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will commence on Saturday, June 18, 2025, at 4:00 PM local time, with Rolex brand ambassadors Jenson Button and Jamie Chadwick among the competitors aiming to etch new milestones in their racing careers. Adding to the event’s prestige, 20-time Grand Slam tennis champion Roger Federer, another Rolex ambassador, will wave the French tricolor flag as the honorary starter, officially kicking off the legendary endurance race.
Rolex, the official timekeeper and exclusive principal partner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2001, underscores the relentless determination required for victory in this grueling contest. The brand’s partnership with motorsport spans six decades, paralleling its nearly 50-year support of elite tennis.
Historic Milestones and Debuts
Since the 1960s, Rolex has collaborated with legendary drivers, celebrating their endurance racing triumphs. This year, Jamie Chadwick will make her 24 Hours of Le Mans debut with IDEC Sport in the LMP2 class, building on a stellar rookie season in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). Chadwick made history in April by becoming the first female driver to win an LMP2 race at the Barcelona season opener, followed by a victory at the 4 Hours of Le Castellet in May.
“Every driver dreams of competing at Le Mans, and now my moment has arrived,” Chadwick shared. “Preparing for this race—from mastering the car’s technical nuances to building team synergy—has been all-consuming. The Circuit de la Sarthe is hallowed ground in motorsport, and racing here is surreal.”
Meanwhile, Jenson Button returns for his fourth Le Mans appearance, driving for Hertz Team JOTA Cadillac in the Hypercar class as part of his second FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season. Rolex has served as WEC’s official timekeeper since 2016.
Rolex’s Legacy in Motorsport
Reflecting on Rolex’s enduring ties to Le Mans, Chadwick noted: “Rolex’s century-long connection to motorsport and its commitment to Le Mans embody tradition and excellence. Joining the Rolex family has allowed me to learn from icons like Tom Kristensen and Jenson—masters of this craft.”
Tom Kristensen, the nine-time Le Mans winner and Rolex ambassador, emphasized the race’s unique demands: “Winning here is among motorsport’s highest honors. Speed alone isn’t enough; trust, teamwork, and decisive execution are vital. Standing on that podium—and receiving a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona engraved for the occasion—makes the sacrifice unforgettable.”
This year’s winners will receive a specially inscribed Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, a symbol of peak achievement in racing.
Innovation and Endurance
For over a century, the 24 Hours of Le Mans has tested the limits of human endurance and automotive innovation, serving as a proving ground for cutting-edge technology. As manufacturers and drivers chase glory, they also shape the future of motorsport, leaving a legacy that transcends the checkered flag.
