Traditional event in France
Ex-tennis star Federer starts races with Schumacher
April 24, 2025 – 8:19 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Roger Federer does not get bored after the end of the career. After his trip to the golf world, racing is now on. Mick Schumacher is also on site there.
Roger Federer uses his time away from the tennis court for another appearance at a traditional sports event. After visiting the Golf Masters in Augusta, the 43-year-old will now take on a special role at the world’s most famous long-distance race: On June 14, Federer will give the start signal for the 93rd edition of Le Mans 24 hours.
The former tennis professional, who won 20 Grand Slam titles and triumphed eight times in Wimbledon, described the invitation as a “great honor” and spoke of an “unforgettable experience” that he is looking forward to. However, the trip to France is not a pure private visit: Federer takes part as a brand ambassador of a luxury watch manufacturer, who has accompanied the race as the main sponsor since 2001.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Operating Automobile Club de L’Ouest, praised the prominent starter: Federer is a personality who is valued for both her sporting success and for her human qualities. His visit will “further increase” the attractiveness of the event, according to Fillon.
Since 1949, a prominent personality from politics, sports or entertainment traditionally has been taking over the role of the starter in the 24 hours of Le Mans. In recent years, France’s football legend Zinédine Zidane (2024), basketball star LeBron James (2023), tennis colleague Rafael Nadal (2018), actor Brad Pitt (2016) and the French President Georges Pompidou (1972) at the time).
The long-distance race in Le Mans is considered the oldest still held of its kind and has been part of the FIA long-distance World Cup WEC since 2012. Mick Schumacher, the son of Formula 1 record world champion Michael Schumacher, also competes in this series. He made his debut on the traditional course last year