Former F1 driver Kevin Magnussen secured his first victory in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with BMW at the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Magnussen, who has been exploring various motorsport categories since his departure from F1 at the end of the 2024 season. The race at Interlagos saw Magnussen, along with his teammates Raffaele Marciello and Dries Vanthoor, secure a hard-fought win over the No.51 Ferrari by just 2.2 seconds. Despite losing the lead in the final hour due to Vanthoor's mistake, the BMW team's strategy of having more fuel and a shorter final pit stop proved crucial in reclaiming the lead.
This victory is BMW's second in four races during the 2026 WEC season, following their one-two finish at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in May. The result places BMW second in the WEC manufacturers' table, just five points behind Toyota. The strong performance of Magnussen, who qualified fourth and made early moves to charge into second place, was hailed by WRT team principal Vincent Vosse as a key factor in BMW's success in Brazil.
Magnussen expressed his gratitude for the support from Brazilian fans, recalling the roar of the crowd when he and Haas were underdogs. He also mentioned the disappointment of losing the lead at Spa, but was relieved to secure the win in Sao Paulo. The race results showcased the competitive nature of the WEC, with Cadillac Hertz Team Jota and Aston Martin THOR Team also performing well, securing the overall podium and top three in the Hypercar class.
This victory not only highlights Magnussen's adaptability and skill but also underscores the growing competitiveness of BMW in the WEC. As Magnussen continues to explore different motorsport categories, his success in endurance racing adds a new dimension to his career, showcasing his ability to excel in diverse racing environments.
