Sébastien Loeb stands as the most successful driver in the history of rallying. He dominated the World Rally Championship for a decade, winning nine consecutive titles. Interestingly, he did not start his career on four wheels, but rather on the gymnastics mat. Furthermore, his ability to drive anything with an engine makes him a unique talent in motorsport. From the deserts of Dakar to the asphalt of Le Mans, he competes everywhere. Prepare to fasten your seatbelt with the French master of speed.
Sébastien Loeb
Originally, Sébastien Loeb trained as a professional gymnast. He started at age three and eventually became a four-time Alsatian champion. Thus, this background gave him incredible balance and coordination for racing.
Surprisingly, he worked as an electrician before he became a professional driver. He used his first paychecks to buy a Renault 5 GT Turbo. Consequently, he spent all his money on tires and fuel to practice.
He holds the record for nine consecutive World Rally Championship titles. From 2004 to 2012, no other driver could beat him. Therefore, he established a dynasty that may never be matched again.
Amazingly, he won the 2006 championship while sitting on his sofa. He broke his arm in a mountain biking accident and missed the final four races. However, his points lead was so huge that he won anyway.
Sébastien Loeb smashed the Pikes Peak record in 2013. He drove a Peugeot 208 T16 up the mountain in just over eight minutes. Consequently, he beat the previous record by a massive minute and a half.
He flies his own helicopter to travel between events. He obtained his pilot’s license to avoid traffic jams on the road. Thus, he saves valuable time during his busy racing schedule.
He finished second at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2006. Even though he specializes in rally, he proved he can race endurance cars too. Therefore, he nearly won the most famous circuit race in the world.
Sébastien Loeb became the oldest winner in WRC history. He won the 2022 Monte Carlo Rally at the age of forty-seven. Remarkably, he beat a rival who was barely born when he started racing.
He won an X Games gold medal in 2012. He traveled to Los Angeles to compete in the rallycross event. Effortlessly, he dominated the field and took home the prize on his first try.
Uniquely, he is the only driver to win events in four different FIA championships. He has victories in WRC, World Touring Cars, World Rallycross, and Rally-Raid. Thus, he is the ultimate all-rounder.
His co-driver Daniel Elena sat beside him for almost every victory. They worked together for twenty-three years in the car. Unfortunately, the team split up in 2021, marking the end of an era.
He won the Extreme E championship for Lewis Hamilton’s team. In 2022, he raced an electric SUV in remote locations like Greenland. Ultimately, he secured the title for the Formula 1 champion’s outfit.
As a teenager, he competed in illegal moped races. He and his friends organized events like the “Roundabout Special” in his hometown. Consequently, he learned to handle speed on two wheels first.
He owns his own racing team called Sébastien Loeb Racing. The team competes in various series, including touring cars and rally. Therefore, he stays involved in the sport as a team boss.
Finally, he has his own video game franchise. Developers worked with him to create a realistic rally simulator. Thus, fans can attempt to match his driving skills virtually.
