Sébastien Buemi began his professional ascent in German Formula BMW, placing third in 2004 and second in 2005 before transitioning through the competitive ranks of Formula Three and the GP2 Series. Born in Aigle, Switzerland, in 1988, he established himself as a versatile racing talent, eventually securing a seat in Formula One and multiple world titles in endurance racing.
Early Racing Progression
Buemi developed his racing craft through karting before entering the German Formula BMW series. His results in the category included a runner-up finish at the 2005 World Final. He later joined the Formula Three Euroseries, where he finished second in the 2007 championship behind Romain Grosjean. During the 2006-07 A1 Grand Prix season, he represented A1 Team Switzerland alongside Neel Jani and Marcel Fässler. His move to the GP2 Series included a standout performance in 2008, where he finished as runner-up in the GP2 Asia Series and earned a sixth-place finish in the main championship.
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In 2009, Buemi made his Formula One debut with Scuderia Toro Rosso, becoming the first Swiss driver to enter a race since 1995. He scored his first points at the Australian Grand Prix and later secured points in China, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi, finishing his rookie season sixteenth in the standings. Following a difficult 2010 season, characterized by a high-speed suspension failure in China, he continued with the team through 2011. He was released at the end of that year, subsequently returning to the Red Bull Racing organization to serve as a test and reserve driver for multiple seasons.
Endurance and Formula E Success
Buemi found significant success in the FIA World Endurance Championship, joining Toyota in 2012. He won the 2014 World Endurance Drivers' Championship alongside teammate Anthony Davidson. He has since secured a joint-record four world titles and four victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Simultaneously, he competed in Formula E from 2014 to 2022, notably winning the 2015-16 championship. After driving for e.dams Renault and Nissan, he signed with Envision Racing in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1988, Aigle, Switzerland
- Formula One Debut: 2009 Australian Grand Prix
- Formula One Teams: Scuderia Toro Rosso
- WEC Titles: 4
- 24 Hours of Le Mans Wins: 4
- Formula E Championship: 2015–16
- Formula E Team (from 2022): Envision Racing
Questions readers ask
Did Buemi compete in Formula One?
Yes, he raced for Scuderia Toro Rosso from 2009 to 2011 and served as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing.
How many times has Buemi won the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
He has won the race four times, all while driving for Toyota.
Achievements
- Represented Davidson-Buemi-Nakajima
- Competed at 2013 FIA World Endurance Drivers' Championship, 2014 FIA World Endurance Drivers' Championship and 2015 FIA World Endurance Drivers' Championship
- Discipline: auto racing
