Genesis Can Depart From Its First Le Mans With Pride

      Ivan Couturier via Getty

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      Very few individuals grasp what it takes to triumph on a global platform. Unless you’ve experienced it firsthand or been closely involved with someone who has, you likely lack insight. Winning a significant event like the 24 Hours of Le Mans necessitates the coordinated, nearly flawless execution of countless individuals across numerous locations worldwide. It requires discipline, leadership, and, perhaps most elusive, a bit of luck. All this was evident at the Genesis Magma Racing garage last weekend as they participated in the world’s most grueling race for the first time.

      This observation isn't meant to belittle your knowledge of racing—nor to suggest I hold all the answers. It merely highlights the scale of the challenge. From Formula 1 Grands Prix to the Indy 500, Dakar Rally, and Le Mans, I have been fortunate to attend a dozen or so races each year from behind the scenes. I've accompanied two separate manufacturers on their inaugural Le Mans entries and witnessed their triumphs, setbacks, and, most frequently, their frustrations. No form of racing is easy, but Le Mans exists in a league of its own.

      Genesis

      A 13th-place finish is not something most teams would celebrate, as it falls significantly short of the top spot. However, that was the ultimate standing for the No. 19 car, driven by Paul-Loup Chatin, Mathieu Jaminet, and Dani Juncadella. Tragically, its sister car, the No. 17, had to retire after 16 hours due to a suspension issue.

      So why should Genesis feel a sense of achievement? Because it truly has, let me explain. Merely 19 months ago, there was no consideration for racing at Genesis. Not for Le Mans, not in WEC—there was a fleeting thought about F1, but it quickly faded. One month later, Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke decided it was time to turn the page for the brand. With the approval of Hyundai’s executive chair, Euisun Chung, he launched Genesis Magma Racing and committed to entering the highly competitive WEC Hypercar class of 2026 to face off against brands like Aston Martin, Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot, and this year’s victors, Toyota.

      Bastien Baudin, James Moy Photography via Getty

      Fast-forward 19 months from that pivotal moment, and here we are. While Hyundai has participated in various motorsport disciplines over the years, Genesis had no racing infrastructure at all, lacking drivers, engineers, project managers, or partners.

      Compounding this, the most compelling reason to applaud Genesis for its performance last weekend is that the automaker is still in its early stages. In just 10 years and eight months, Genesis has evolved from being established as a standalone brand to developing a complete lineup of vehicles and completing the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That’s quite an achievement.

      “We encountered several reliability issues, which will be our focus moving forward," noted team principal Cyril Abiteboul. "Nevertheless, the car demonstrated strong potential throughout the week, particularly in the first half of the race, where we consistently fought within the top 10. Despite the challenges, the team displayed remarkable resilience, composure, and teamwork. Everyone remained focused, calmly responded to every situation, and collaborated to achieve our objective. We depart Le Mans satisfied with meeting our main goal but also with a clear understanding of areas that require improvement. These priorities will help guide us as we continue to establish our foundations as a team.”

      Gabriele Lanzo, Clive Rose via Getty

      Abiteboul, who boasts decades of experience from F1 to WRC, has been key to building the new WEC team, which even managed to score points in the second round of the season at Spa. At Le Mans, the team made it to the Hyperpole shootout, with the No. 11 car qualifying 11th, while the No. 17 car, driven by André Lotterer, Luis Felipe Derani, and Mathys Jaubert, secured 13th, ahead of all three Ferraris and both Peugeots.

      These achievements provide reasons for Genesis to leave with pride. As I've detailed in two recent major articles—one featuring Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss, and another with the leadership of the Audi F1 Team—merely bringing people together in a shop or garage doesn’t create a team. It’s the ability to think together, execute together, and maintain alignment that forms a true team, which takes time and involves trial and error.

      Jacky Ickx, considered one of the greatest drivers globally with wins and titles in F1, sports cars, rallying, and six Le Mans victories, acts as a Genesis brand partner and advisor. He has