Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Lucas Auer Wins After Rain Shifts Lead from Verstappen

5/17/2026

34 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Max Verstappen took over the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 after the first hour and moved from tenth to lead on lap 19.
He stretched the advantage to a 23-second gap despite briefly losing rear traction, while the #16 Audi R8 and #911 Porsche retired after damage.
Heavy rain at hour six forced Jules Gounon onto softer then rain tyres, after which Lucas Auer reclaimed and held the lead.

History

Historical Context

In 1999 BMW earned its first and only overall Le Mans win with the V12 LMR driven by Yannick Dalmas, Pierluigi Martini and Joachim Winkelhock, ending a decade dominated by Porsche and Audi. New ACO regulations that year narrowed GT and prototype classes, reflecting the 1990s shift toward exotic manufacturer supercars and setting the stage for the race’s role in the historic 24-hour endurance series founded in 1923.

1 of 2

Story summary

Max Verstappen took over the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 after the first hour and moved from tenth to lead on lap 19.
He stretched the advantage to a 23-second gap despite briefly losing rear traction, while the #16 Audi R8 and #911 Porsche retired after damage.
Heavy rain at hour six forced Jules Gounon onto softer then rain tyres, after which Lucas Auer reclaimed and held the lead.

1 / 2