Porsche snatch lead at unusual start of 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours

The #5 Porsche Penske machine has taken the overall lead of the Le Mans 24 Hours at the start of the 93rd running of the race.

From third on the grid, driver Julien Andlauer was able to muscle past the front-row pair of the #12 and #38 Cadillac machines, which was widely expected.

The Cadillacs are estimated to be giving up 5kph on the straights to other Hypercars, with Andlauer into the lead by the first chicane on the Mulsanne, with Will Stevens slotting into second place having started on pole. 

Earl Bamber is running third in the #38 Cadillac, which is the three-man crew featuring 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button. 

The #36 Alpine featuring Mick Schumacher as part of its crew is in 12th position, one place behind the #8 Toyota featuring Sebastien Buemi. 

LMP2 is led by the #29 TDS Racing machine, which started on class pole, with the #27 Heart of Racing machine leading LMGT3, also from class pole. 

Unusually, there was no first lap retirement at the Circuit de la Sarthe, with all 62 cars still running, although there was a brief yellow flag in the opening stages. 

RacingNews365 will provide reports at six hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, and on the flag tomorrow afternoon, along with full results.  

We will also provide updates throughout the 24 hours for key events, such as red flags or notable incidents.