Geneva, 3 June 2026 – This year marks a quarter of a century since Rolex became the Exclusive Major Partner and Official Timepiece of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2001. This silver anniversary highlights the deep affinity between the Swiss watchmaker and the oldest and most prestigious endurance race, with the Rolex countdown clock acting as a perpetual reminder to drivers, teams and fans around the world that time will be the ultimate measure of success. The 94th edition takes place on Saturday 13–Sunday 14 June, when the motor sport world will once again turn its attention to Circuit de la Sarthe in France to witness an intense battle unfold, through day and night.

Lining up at 4.00 p.m. local time will be 62 cars representing 14 leading manufacturers, ready to face the twice-around-the-clock challenge. As the French Tricolore flag drops, they will begin their quest to conquer time at one of the longest circuits in modern motor racing. Each lap of the 13.626-kilometre (8.467-mile) track is defined by ever-changing conditions, demanding unwavering focus and split-second decisions as teams strive to cover the greatest distance in 24 hours. Defending manufacturer Ferrari will face strong competition in the Hypercar category from rivals BMW, Toyota, Cadillac, Aston Martin, Alpine, Peugeot and 2026 debutant constructor Genesis, all vying for the crown and the coveted Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona. Specially engraved with “Winner”, the timepiece is awarded to the drivers who grace the top step of the podium as winners of the overall classification. 

Nyck de Vries is firmly focused on securing victory after an impressive second-place finish in 2024 with TOYOTA RACING. The Dutch driver, who joined the Rolex family of Testimonees earlier this year, says:

Rolex legend Tom Kristensen etched his name into the race’s legacy, winning the demanding contest a record nine times and earning him the moniker “Mr Le Mans”. He began his career at Circuit de la Sarthe 29 years ago and has seen the race evolve over the decades. The Dane says:

In 2026, Rolex’s commitment to the sport is underscored by a double milestone. The Swiss watchmaker also celebrates 10 years as Official Timepiece of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) – of which the 24 Hours of Le Mans stands as the most anticipated round of the series. President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) Pierre Fillon highlights the strength of these partnerships:

Recognizing the event’s continuing impact and legacy, the Swiss watchmaker last month partnered with M24 – Motorsport Museum, which will reopen its doors at this year’s race after a major expansion to coincide with the 120th anniversary of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. The immersive museum displays iconic cars, rare prototypes and treasured artefacts curated over a century of racing.

ROLEX AND MOTOR SPORT
Rolex celebrates human achievement, recognizing the journey marked by milestones and emotions that culminates in defining moments – determined by a path followed, not just a trophy. In motor sport this association started in the 1930s when Sir Malcolm Campbell set World Land Speed Records on Daytona Beach with a Rolex Oyster on his wrist. Since then, Rolex’s support has grown, extending to the sport’s most esteemed figures, revered endurance championships and leading events. This affiliation encompasses the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship and the contests that come together to form the Triple Crown of Endurance Racing – the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the Twelve Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For almost three decades, Rolex has also supported classic automotive events steeped in elegance, beauty and tradition, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® and the Goodwood Revival. Rolex welcomed motor sport icon Sir Jackie Stewart into its family of Testimonees in 1968 and he has since been joined by fellow legends: Tom Kristensen, the record nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Mark Webber, the 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion and multiple Grand Prix™ winner. The Swiss watchmaker also supports the next generation of talent, including Jamie Chadwick, who continues to break down barriers across motor sport and Nyck de Vries, a leading figure in the WEC, with success across multiple disciplines.