A Strong Finish for Buemi and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in Bahrain

Sébastien Buemi and his teammates Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa concluded the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season on a high note, securing a brilliant second place at the 8 Hours of Bahrain. This one-two finish for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing — with victory going to the sister car #7 — marked not only the team’s first win of the year but also a powerful statement to close out a challenging season.

After a year marked by setbacks and frustration, the final round felt like a mission to complete for the crew of the #8. Qualifying on the front row thanks to a strong Hyperpole performance by Brendon Hartley, the GR010 HYBRID #8 started the race within striking distance, determined to fight for the podium — if not the win.

Sébastien Buemi took over in the middle of the race during a crucial strategic phase. Despite a penalty for a yellow flag infringement that temporarily dropped the car out of the top five, the Swiss veteran kept the team’s hopes alive with a strong, composed drive. Stints by Ryo Hirakawa and Brendon Hartley maintained the pressure and helped the car recover to second place after a superb team effort.

In the final hour, a safety car period threatened to shake things up. But Buemi, back behind the wheel for the closing stint, managed the restart perfectly, keeping the chasing #51 Ferrari at bay to secure a flawless one-two for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing under the Sakhir floodlights.

This result secures second place in the manufacturers’ World Championship for the #8 crew — a well-earned reward after a turbulent campaign. For Buemi, the podium finish is a testament to resilience and consistency, and a reminder that the Swiss driver remains a cornerstone of the team in the Hypercar category.

“To end the season with a second place and a one-two for the team is the perfect way to close the year. Everyone has worked so hard to get back to this level, and this result gives us a real boost heading into 2026,” Buemi said at the finish.

The upcoming season looks promising for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, with a stable driver line-up and an updated GR010 HYBRID on the way. For Sébastien Buemi, the objective is clear: come back stronger and fight for another world title.