Zinédine Zidane’s Crazy Day at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

If you followed the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it was impossible to miss Zinédine Zidane who made multiple appearances.

Ambassador and sponsor of Alpine’s equal opportunities programs, Zinédine Zidane launched, this Saturday, June 15, the start of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. With the tricolor flag in hand, the football legend released the 62 cars entered in the race. “Starting the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a great honor, it’s a legendary race. It was also important for me to come out and support the drivers. They have to hold on for these 24 hours! I have always been impressed by the idea of drivers racing for so long at this level of performance; it’s all part of the magic of endurance…”

Before that, the 1998 World Champion and Ballon d’Or experienced a very special track baptism aboard the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4, a hydrogen-powered prototype. “Getting on board the Alpenglow Hy4 is a bit like jumping into the future; I loved this experience! Its design is unlike any other car and truly gives the impression of merging with it.” A small glimpse into the future of sports cars since, starting in 2028, a specific category will host competition cars using liquid hydrogen as fuel. While the Alpenglow uses it alongside a thermal engine, the H24EVO, another prototype also showcased at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, combines it with a fuel cell and an electric powertrain.

While this lap in the Alpine Alpenglow was done with a helmet in the cramped cabin of the prototype, Zidane enjoyed a calmer tour in a Renault Rafale Esprit Alpine, taking the time to greet spectators and track marshals. As a side note, the car was driven by Pierre Fillon, the President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Before leaving the circuit, the legend took the time to greet the Alpine drivers in their pit and pose for a photo with Lisa Billard, a young talent from the Rac(H)er program aimed at encouraging the inclusion of women in motorsport. A beautiful memory, no doubt, for the budding young champion.

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