Kamui Kobayashi Explained

Kamui Kobayashi
Nationality: Japanese
Birth Date:13 September 1986
Birth Place:Amagasaki, Hyōgo, Japan
Racing Licence: FIA Platinum
Current Series:Super Formula
First Year:2011
Current Team:KCMG
Car Number:7
Former Teams:Team LeMans
Starts:65
Wins:0
Poles:0
Fastest Laps:5
Podiums:6
Best Finish:6th
Year:2015 & 2019
Embed:yes
Car Number:10
Years:–,
Teams:Toyota, Sauber, Caterham
Races:76 (75 starts)
Championships:0
Wins:0
Podiums:1
Points:125
Poles:0
Fastest Laps:1
First Race:2009 Brazilian Grand Prix
Last Race:2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Embed:yes
Last Series:FIA World Endurance Championship career
Years Active:2016 – present
Starts:58
Championships:2 (2019–20, 2021)
Wins:17
Poles:20
Fastest Laps:11
Best Finish:1st
Embed:yes
Years:, –
Team(S):AF Corse, Toyota Gazoo Racing
Best Finish:1st in LMH (2021)
Class Wins:1
Prev Series:Super GT
Formula E
GP2 Series
Formula 3 Euro Series
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0
Formula Renault 2.0 Italia
FR2000 Germany
Asian Formula Renault
FR2000 Netherlands
Prev Series Years:201718
2017
200809
200607
2005
2004–05
2004
2004
2004
Titles:FIA World Endurance Championship
FIA World Endurance Championship
GP2 Asia Series
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0
Formula Renault 2.0 Italia
Title Years:2021

2019–20

2008–09
2005
2005

is a Japanese racing driver who currently competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Toyota Gazoo Racing, Super Formula for Kids com Team KCMG, and part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 50 Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing. He also serves as team principal for Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe for their FIA World Endurance Championship team. Kobayashi previously competed in Formula One, Formula E, the GP2 Series, and the GP2 Asia Series. He became champion of the FIA World Endurance Championship alongside co-drivers Mike Conway and José María López in the 2019–20 season and in 2021, where he also won the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Kobayashi is the third FIA world champion from Japan after Toshi Arai and Kazuki Nakajima, and became the third Asian-born driver after countrymen Aguri Suzuki and Takuma Satō to score a Formula One podium finish at the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix.

Junior single-seater career

Early years

Kobayashi was born in Amagasaki in Hyōgo Prefecture, near Kobe. His father owns a sushi restaurant.[1] He began his career in motorsport in 1996 when he was nine years old, finishing third in his first season of karting in the SL Takarazuka Tournament Cadet Class. During the following seven years, Kobayashi took four karting titles, winning the Toyota SL All Japan Tournament Cadet Class series twice.

In 2004, he signed for Toyota's Driver Academy and soon began his career in open wheel racing. His next step was Formula Renault, entering the Asian, German, Italian and Dutch championships and taking two race victories in the Italian championship. Kobayashi continued in the Formula Renault class, entering the Italian and European championships and with six wins in both championships, he won both titles.

In 2006, Kobayashi entered the Formula 3 Euro Series with ASM Formule 3 alongside Paul di Resta, Giedo van der Garde and Sebastian Vettel. He took three podium positions in his debut season, coming eighth in the Drivers' Championship and first in the Rookie's Championship. Kobayashi also entered the Macau Grand Prix and the Masters of Formula 3, which are annual Formula Three events. Kobayashi started in 10th place and finished the race a place lower in 11th, while at the Macau Grand Prix, he started the race in pole position but finished in 19th place.

At the beginning of 2007, Kobayashi, along with Kōhei Hirate, was named as one of the Toyota Formula One team's test drivers. He stayed in the Euro Series for the upcoming season and had an impressive start, taking two podiums in the first four rounds. He achieved his first race victory in Formula 3 at Magny-Cours, in the tenth round, a support race for the Formula One French Grand Prix. Kobayashi finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

GP2

Following a successful GP2 Asia Series campaign in early 2008, Kobayashi won his first GP2 Series race in only the second race of the season. After a strong start from pole in the sprint race at the Circuit de Catalunya, Kobayashi took the chequered flag in first place. This was after a controversial piece of defensive driving from his former Euro Series teammate Romain Grosjean after a safety car period. At the end of the pit straight, Kobayashi attempted a pass on Grosjean. However, the Frenchman moved more than once to defend his position, forcing Kobayashi into evasive action. This resulted in a drive through penalty for the Frenchman, handing the win to Kobayashi. However, he only finished in the points on one further occasion, restricting him to sixteenth in the championship.

Another successful GP2 Asia campaign followed over the winter months of 2008 and 2009, with Kobayashi winning two races en route to the championship, with a round to spare. Kobayashi could not repeat his form in the main series, finishing sixteenth again.

Formula One (2007–2012)

On November 16, 2007, it was confirmed that Kobayashi would replace the departing Franck Montagny as the Toyota F1 team's third driver.[2] He was the team's test and reserve driver during the and seasons.

Toyota (2009)

2009

At the 2009 Japanese Grand Prix, Kobayashi competed in the first two free practice sessions in place of Timo Glock, who was ill.[3] Glock recovered in time to take part in the third free practice session and qualifying, but was injured after crashing in the final session and had to miss the race. Toyota asked the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for permission to run Kobayashi in the race, but this was refused as the regulations state a driver must run in at least one session on Saturday to be eligible to start the race.[4]

Kobayashi made his Formula One debut at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix, following a complication to Glock's injury that was initially not detected.[5] He qualified 11th in a chaotic session that lasted for over two and half hours and was red-flagged twice due to accidents caused by torrential rain. Early in the race, while running in sixth place, he held off for several laps a challenge by Jenson Button, who needed to finish well to clinch the world championship. He finished the race in tenth place, and was later promoted to ninth when Heikki Kovalainen was penalised. Button jokingly described Kobayashi as "absolutely crazy, very aggressive".[6] He also competed in the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as Glock's injury had not healed sufficiently.[7] Kobayashi qualified 12th and finished sixth, scoring his first World Championship points, in the inaugural day-night race in Abu Dhabi.[8] Before Toyota decided to withdraw from Formula One, Kobayashi was expected to be given a full-time seat at Toyota for the 2010 Formula One Season.[9]

Sauber (2010–2012)

2010

Following Toyota's withdrawal, Kobayashi faced an uncertain future, but he was mentioned in lists of probable drivers for the series' new teams for 2010.[10] After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed on December 17, 2009, he would drive for Sauber for the 2010 season. Despite the team having been sold by BMW back to founder Peter Sauber after the 2009 season, and no longer using BMW components, the team was still named BMW Sauber as it had been known for the past four seasons.[11] His teammate was former McLaren tester Pedro de la Rosa. Kobayashi completed his first laps in the new Sauber C29 chassis during F1 winter testing on 2 February.

During the, a front wing failure on his Sauber caused him to hit the barrier, rebounding off it to cause a three-car crash taking out Nico Hülkenberg and Sébastien Buemi. In the next race in Malaysia he qualified in ninth place, his best grid position up to that point, however he suffered an engine failure early in the race. In China, Kobayashi was involved in a three-way collision with Buemi and Vitantonio Liuzzi on the first lap, making him the only driver to retire from the first four races. In Turkey, he won his first points of the season, coming home tenth after being promoted a place due to Vettel's retirement after a collision with teammate Webber and Petrov's puncture. In Valencia, he finished seventh by passing both Fernando Alonso and Sébastien Buemi in the final laps on fresh tyres, after driving the majority of the race in third position on his first set of tyres. He followed that with sixth place in Silverstone, eleventh in Germany, ninth in Hungary and eighth in Belgium.

At the, Kobayashi suffered a gearbox failure and retired from the after hitting a track-side barrier. Kobayashi's teammate changed in Singapore as Pedro de la Rosa was removed in favour of Nick Heidfeld. In Japan, Kobayashi qualified 14th and finished seventh, passing several drivers along the way including his teammate, in a very impressive fashion. He finished eighth in Korea and tenth in Brazil, eventually finishing the season with 32 points. In his review of the season, former TV commentator Murray Walker stated that Kobayashi is "without a doubt Japan's best [F1 driver] yet".[12] Kobayashi gained a reputation during the season as a highly skilled overtaker, being able to outbrake drivers several car lengths in front of him. His aggressive overtaking style was described by Martin Brundle as, "He gets to the normal braking point and then goes, 'Now, which one is the brake again? That's right, it's on the left,' and he just sails past people!"[13] He qualified well against his more experienced teammates, outqualifying de la Rosa and Heidfeld 11 times to 8 over the season.

2011

Kobayashi remained with Sauber (renamed from BMW Sauber to Sauber F1 Team) in,[14] where he was partnered by GP2 graduate Sergio Pérez. Kobayashi finished eighth in the season opening, but he and Pérez – who had finished seventh – were disqualified after the race due to an irregularity with the car's rear-wing. The next race of the season in Malaysia was another strong showing for Kobayashi, finishing eighth in the race, eventually classified seventh after Lewis Hamilton received a penalty. He finished tenth in his next three races, before a career-high fifth place in an incident-packed Monaco Grand Prix. In an extremely wet, Kobayashi worked his way up from 13th place to 2nd having not decided to change to extreme wet tyres before the race was red-flagged, as many other drivers had. This essentially gave him a free pit stop while the race was suspended. After the restart, the track began to dry out, and after changing to intermediate tyres and finally slicks, Kobayashi dropped several places, including having a spin whilst lapping a backmarker and being rear-ended by Nick Heidfeld. He eventually finished seventh, 0.045 seconds behind Felipe Massa, who passed him on the final straight.

2012

On 28 July 2011, it was announced that Kobayashi would remain with Sauber into the season, alongside teammate Pérez.[15]

Kobayashi started the season with sixth place at the,[16] and a retirement at the, due to a problem with his car's brakes.[17]

He then started third at the behind the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher. He dropped to tenth but managed to set the fastest lap. At the he finished fifth after overtaking Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg. Kobayashi finished in the points once in the next four races, finishing ninth in Canada. Kobayashi finished in a then-career-best fourth place at the  – having finished fifth on-the-road – as he was helped by a post-race penalty for second-placed Sebastian Vettel.[18] After retiring late in the race at the, Kobayashi qualified a career-best second for the but was caught in a first-corner accident along with four other drivers. Kobayashi was the only one of the five to continue in the race, and finished thirteenth.[19]

Kobayashi took his maiden podium in Formula One with third place at the, after lasting through race-long pressure from Jenson Button. Kobayashi became the first Japanese driver to finish on a Formula One podium in Japan in 22 years, after Aguri Suzuki in the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix, and was the third Japanese driver to finish on a Formula One podium after Suzuki and Takuma Sato in the 2004 United States Grand Prix.[20]

On 23 November 2012, Sauber announced that Kobayashi would not be a part of the team's line-up for the season, as Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Gutiérrez would form the race team and Robin Frijns as reserve driver.[21] Kobayashi ultimately finished the season in twelfth place in the Drivers' Championship, with 60 points.[22] Despite raising around 8 million in sponsorship, Kobayashi elected to focus on gaining a competitive drive for the season rather than a drive.[23]

WEC debut (2013)

AF Corse

On 11 March 2013 it was confirmed that Kobayashi would drive for AF Corse in the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship season. He competed in the LMGTE-Pro class in the Ferrari 458 GT for what is expected to be all of the season's eight rounds, including the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans.[24]

Kobayashi also tested a 2010 Formula One Ferrari in preparation for a promotional event in Moscow, where he crashed in the wet.[25] [26]

In the 81st edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2013, Kobayashi and the AF Corse team scored fifth place in the GTE-Pro class along with his co-drivers Olivier Beretta and Toni Vilander, their Ferrari 458 GT covered a total of 312 laps in the Circuit de la Sarthe. The race was run in very difficult weather conditions and several serious accidents bringing out a record of twelve safety car caution periods.[27] [28] [29]

Return to Formula One (2014)

Caterham

On 21 January 2014, it was confirmed that Kobayashi would return to Formula One with the Caterham F1 team for the 2014 season partnering Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson after considerable speculation about the team's all new line-up for the new season.[30] At the first race of the season, the, Kobayashi crashed into Massa at the start due to a brake failure. However, in the following, he was running as high as eighth, ahead of his teammate, the Marussias, and several other cars. He however finished the race in 13th, promoting Caterham to 10th in the Constructors' standings. However, later in the season Caterham were demoted to 11th due to Jules Bianchi achieving Marussia's first points finish in the .[31]

On 20 August 2014, it was announced that German driver André Lotterer would replace Kobayashi for the race weekend.[32] He returned to racing action at the after Lotterer declined a further offer due to the seat being taken in practice by Roberto Merhi, who was attempting to qualify for an FIA Super Licence.[33] Kobayashi declared his unhappiness at the situation, with the team's driver plans changing at short notice and his own future uncertain.[34]

Super Formula and WEC split

Super Formula and Super GT (2015–)

Super Formula

On 30 January 2015, it was confirmed that Kobayashi would drive for Team LeMans in the 2015 Super Formula season.[35] He scored three podiums on his way to a fifth-place finish in the drivers' championship during his first year in the series. His second year with Team LeMans was less successful, only managing to score one point and finishing 17th in the championship.

Kobayashi moved to KCMG at the start of the 2017 season.[36] Kobayashi stayed in the team for over seven years, where he clinched 4 podiums of second place. But for 2020, and 2021 he did not compete full time as he has clashed race where he prioritize WEC, his replacement were Yuichi Nakayama for 2020, and Kazuto Kotaka for 2021.[37] [38]

Super GT

Kobayashi made his one off debut in Super GT GT500 class with Racing Project Bandoh in 2017. Kobayashi made full season debut in 2018, as he raced with Team SARD alongside former F1 driver and the series champion Heiki Kovalainen.[39]

Return to FIA World Endurance Championship (2016–)

Toyota Gazoo Racing

On 4 February 2016, Kobayashi was confirmed as a LMP1 driver for Toyota Gazoo Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Kobayashi scored his first WEC race victory at the 2016 6 Hours of Fuji, finishing ahead of the No. 8 Audi and the No. 1 Porsche.[40]

In 2017 he achieved the current lap record at the Circuit de la Sarthe with a lap time of 3:14.791.[41]

Kobayashi won the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans from pole after numerous attempts, alongside Mike Conway and Jose Maria Lopez. Kobayashi is the fourth Japanese driver to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the first being Masanori Sekiya, and is only the second to do so for a Japanese manufacturer.

In December 2021, Toyota announced that Kobayashi would succeed Hisatake Murata as team principal of the manufacturer's WEC programme, combining the management position with his role as a driver for the team.[42]

NASCAR (2023)

On 7 June 2023, it was announced that Kobayashi would make his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 67 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. At Indy, he finished 33rd.[43]

In 2024, Kobayashi would return to the NASCAR Cup Series and race again for 23XI Racing at Circuit of the Americas for the 2024 EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, he finished 29th.[44]

Personal life

He was named after Kamuy, a divine being in Ainu mythology, and the letter of the name imitated the sound citing three Kanji from the sentence "Enabling great dream(s)".[45]

In April 2013, he was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Sport Award at The Asian Awards in London.[46]

Racing record

Career summary

SeasonSeriesTeamRacesWinsPolesF/LapsPodiumsPointsPosition
2003Formula ToyotaN/A1024??1202nd
2004Formula Renault 2000 ItaliaPrema Powerteam1723131347th
Formula Renault 2000 Germany200001631st
Formula Renault 2000 Netherlands?????3215th
Asian Formula Renault ChallengeAsia Racing Team100?01631st
2005Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0align=left rowspan=2Prema Powerteam1664481571st
Formula Renault 2.0 Italia15698113121st
2006Formula 3 Euro Seriesalign=left rowspan=3ASM Formule 3190013348th
Macau Grand Prix10100N/A19th
Masters of Formula 310000N/A11th
2007Formula 3 Euro Seriesalign=left rowspan=3ASM Formule 3201107594th
Macau Grand Prix10000N/A13th
Masters of Formula 310000N/ANC
Formula OnePanasonic Toyota RacingThird driver
2008GP2 Asia SeriesDAMS102003226th
GP2 Series2010211016th
Formula OnePanasonic Toyota RacingTest/Reserve driver
2008–09GP2 Asia SeriesDAMS112234561st
2009GP2 SeriesDAMS2000011316th
Formula OnePanasonic Toyota Racing20000318th
2010Formula OneBMW Sauber F1 Team1900003212th
2011Formula OneSauber F1 Team1900003012th
2012Formula OneSauber F1 Team2000116012th
2013FIA World Endurance Championship - LMGTE Proalign=left rowspan=2AF Corse80024987th
24 Hours of Le Mans - LMGTE Pro10000N/A5th
2014Formula OneCaterham F1 Team160000022nd
2015Super FormulaKygnus Sunoco Team LeMans80003205th
FIA World Endurance ChampionshipToyota RacingReserve driver
2016FIA World Endurance ChampionshipToyota Gazoo Racing910161453rd
24 Hours of Le Mans10011N/A2nd
Super FormulaSunoco Team LeMans90020117th
2017FIA World Endurance ChampionshipToyota Gazoo Racing90413103.55th
24 Hours of Le Mans10100N/ADNF
Super FormulaKCMG7001116.57th
Blancpain GT Series Endurance CupGood Smile Racing with Team UKYO100000NC
Intercontinental GT Challenge100000NC
Super GTLexus Team WedsSport Bandoh100001017th
2017–18Formula EMS&AD Andretti Formula E20000024th
2018Super GTLexus Team SARD710012713th
Super Formulacarrozzeria Team KCMG500111110th
24 Hours of Le MansToyota Gazoo Racing10001N/A2nd
2018–19FIA World Endurance ChampionshipToyota Gazoo Racing824261572nd
2019Super Formulacarrozzeria Team KCMG70012196th
IMSA SportsCar Championship - DPiKonica Minolta Cadillac110013527th
24 Hours of Le MansToyota Gazoo Racing10101N/A2nd
Intercontinental GT ChallengeMercedes-AMG Team GOOD SMILE10000125th
2019–20FIA World Endurance ChampionshipToyota Gazoo Racing843182071st
2020Super Formulacarrozzeria Team KCMG50010816th
IMSA SportsCar Championship - DPiKonica Minolta Cadillac110113523rd
GT World Challenge Europe Endurance CupHubAuto Corsa100000NC
Intercontinental GT Challenge100000NC
24 Hours of Le MansToyota Gazoo Racing10101N/A3rd
2021FIA World Endurance Championship - Hypercaralign=left rowspan=2Toyota Gazoo Racing634061731st
24 Hours of Le Mans - Hypercar11101N/A1st
IMSA SportsCar Championship - DPiAlly Cadillac Racing40001120312th
Super Formulacarrozzeria Team KCMG10000120th
Super Taikyū - ST-QORC ROOKIE Racing10000N/ANC
2022FIA World Endurance Championship - HypercarToyota Gazoo Racing621151333rd
24 Hours of Le Mans - Hypercar10011N/A2nd
IMSA SportsCar Championship - DPiAlly Cadillac400 0 1114611th
IMSA SportsCar Championship - GTD ProVasser Sullivan Racing1000027628th
Super FormulaKCMG100000917th
2023FIA World Endurance Championship - Hypercaralign=left rowspan=2Toyota Gazoo Racing743451452nd
24 Hours of Le Mans - Hypercar10000N/ADNF
Super FormulaKids com Team KCMG9000017.511th
NASCAR Cup Series23XI Racing10000063rd
2024FIA World Endurance Championship - HypercarToyota Gazoo Racing51112953rd*
Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie - SP10[47] 20000
Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie - SP8T
Super FormulaKids com Team KCMG400004.513th*
NASCAR Cup Series23XI Racing10000840th*

Complete Formula Renault Italia results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

YearEntrant1234567891011121314151617DCPoints
2004nowrapPrema PowerteamVLL
1

VLL
2

VAR
MAG
SPA
1

SPA
2

MNZ1
1

MNZ1
2

MNZ1
3

MIS
1

MIS
2

MIS
3

ADR
HOC
1

HOC
2

MNZ2
1

MNZ2
2

7th134
2005nowrapPrema PowerteamVLL
1

VLL
2

IMO
1

IMO
2

SPA
1

SPA
2

MNZ1
1

MNZ1
2

MNZ1
3

MUG
1
MUG
2
MIS
1

MIS
2

MIS
3

VAR
MNZ2
1

MNZ2
2

1st254

Complete Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Complete Formula 3 Euro Series record

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

YearTeamChassisEngine1234567891011121314151617181920PosPoints
2006nowrapASM Formule 3nowrapDallara F305/012nowrapMercedesHOC
1

HOC
2

LAU
1

LAU
2

OSC
1

OSC
2

BRH
1

BRH
2

NOR
1

NOR
2

NÜR
1

NÜR
2

ZAN
1

ZAN
2

CAT
1

CAT
2

BUG
1
BUG
2
HOC
1

HOC
2

8th34
2007nowrapASM Formule 3nowrapDallara F305/012nowrapMercedesHOC
1

HOC
2

BRH
1

BRH
2

NOR
1

NOR
2

MAG
1

MAG
2

MUG
1

MUG
2

ZAN
1

ZAN
2

NÜR
1

NÜR
2

CAT
1

CAT
2

NOG
1

NOG
2

HOC
1

HOC
2

4th59

Complete Macau Grand Prix results

YearTeamCarQualifyingQuali RaceMain race
2006 ASM Formule 3Dallara F3051st1st19th
2007 ASM Formule 3Dallara F3057thDNF13th

Complete GP2 Series results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

YearEntrant1234567891011121314151617181920DCPoints
2008DAMSCAT
FEA

CAT
SPR

IST
FEA

IST
SPR

MON
FEA

MON
SPR

MAG
FEA

MAG
SPR

SIL
FEA

SIL
SPR

HOC
FEA

HOC
SPR

HUN
FEA

HUN
SPR

VAL
FEA

VAL
SPR

SPA
FEA

SPA
SPR

MNZ
FEA

MNZ
SPR

16th10
2009DAMSCAT
FEA

CAT
SPR

MON
FEA

MON
SPR

IST
FEA

IST
SPR

SIL
FEA

SIL
SPR

NÜR
FEA

NÜR
SPR

HUN
FEA

HUN
SPR

VAL
FEA

VAL
SPR

SPA
FEA

SPA
SPR

MNZ
FEA

MNZ
SPR

ALG
FEA

ALG
SPR

16th13

Complete GP2 Asia Series results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

YearEntrant123456789101112DCPoints
2008DAMSDUB1
FEA

DUB1
SPR

SEN
FEA

SEN
SPR

SEP
FEA

SEP
SPR

BHR
FEA

BHR
SPR

DUB2
FEA

DUB2
SPR

6th22
2008–09DAMSSHI
FEA

SHI
SPR

DUB
FEA

DUB
SPR

BHR1
FEA

BHR1
SPR

LSL
FEA

LSL
SPR

SEP
FEA

SEP
SPR

BHR2
FEA

BHR2
SPR

1st56

Complete Formula One results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

YearEntrantChassisEngine1234567891011121314151617181920WDCPoints
nowrapPanasonic Toyota RacingnowrapToyota TF109nowrapToyota RVX-09 2.4 V8AUSMALCHNBHRESPMONTURGBRGERHUNEURBELITASINJPN
BRA
ABU
18th3
nowrapBMW Sauber F1 TeamnowrapSauber C29nowrapFerrari 056 2.4 V8BHR
AUS
MAL
CHN
ESP
MON
TUR
CAN
EUR
GBR
GER
HUN
BEL
ITA
SIN
JPN
KOR
BRA
ABU
12th32
nowrapSauber F1 TeamnowrapSauber C30nowrapFerrari 056 2.4 V8AUS
MAL
CHN
TUR
ESP
MON
CAN
EUR
GBR
GER
HUN
BEL
ITA
SIN
JPN
KOR
IND
ABU
BRA
12th30
2012nowrapSauber F1 TeamnowrapSauber C31nowrapFerrari 056 2.4 V8AUS
MAL
CHN
BHR
ESP
MON
CAN
EUR
GBR
GER
HUN
BEL
ITA
SIN
JPN
KOR
IND
ABU
USA
BRA
12th60
2014nowrapCaterham F1 TeamnowrapCaterham CT05nowrapRenault Energy F12014 1.6 V6 tAUS
MAL
BHR
CHN
ESP
MON
CAN
AUT
GBR
GER
HUN
BELITA
SIN
JPN
RUS
USABRAABU
22nd0
Did not finish the race, but was classified as he completed over 90% of the race distance.

Complete FIA World Endurance Championship results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

YearEntrantClassChassisEngine123456789RankPoints
2013nowrapAF CorsenowrapLMGTE PronowrapFerrari 458 Italia GT2nowrapFerrari F142 4.5L V8SIL
SPA
LMS
SÃO
COA
FUJ
SHA
BHR
7th98
2016nowrapToyota Gazoo RacingLMP1nowrapToyota TS050 HybridnowrapToyota 2.4 L Turbo V6 (Hybrid)SIL
SPA
LMS
NÜR
MEX
COA
FUJ
SHA
BHR
3rd145
2017nowrapToyota Gazoo RacingLMP1nowrapToyota TS050 HybridnowrapToyota 2.4 L Turbo V6 (Hybrid)SIL
SPA
LMS
NÜR
MEX
COA
FUJ
SHA
BHR
5th103.5
nowrap2018–19nowrapToyota Gazoo RacingLMP1nowrapToyota TS050 HybridnowrapToyota 2.4 L Turbo V6 (Hybrid)SPA
LMS
SIL
FUJ
SHA
SEB
SPA
LMS
2nd157
nowrap2019–20nowrapToyota Gazoo RacingLMP1nowrapToyota TS050 HybridnowrapToyota 2.4 L Turbo V6 (Hybrid)SIL
FUJ
SHA
BHR
COA
SPA
LMS
BHR
1st207
2021nowrapToyota Gazoo RacingHypercarnowrapToyota GR010 HybridnowrapToyota 3.5 L Turbo V6 (Hybrid)SPA
ALG
MNZ
LMS
BHR
BHR
1st173
2022nowrapToyota Gazoo RacingHypercarnowrapToyota GR010 HybridnowrapToyota 3.5 L Turbo V6 (Hybrid)SEB
SPA
LMS
MNZ
FUJ
BHR
3rd133
2023nowrapToyota Gazoo RacingHypercarnowrapToyota GR010 HybridnowrapToyota 3.5 L Turbo V6 (Hybrid)SEB
ALG
SPA
LMS
MNZ
FUJ
BHR
2nd145
2024nowrapToyota Gazoo RacingHypercarnowrapToyota GR010 HybridnowrapToyota 3.5 L Turbo V6 (Hybrid)QAT
IMO
SPA
LMS
SÃO
COA
FUJ
BHR
3rd*95*

Complete 24 Hours of Le Mans results

YearTeamCo-DriversCarClassLaps
2013 AF Corse Toni Vilander
Olivier Beretta
Ferrari 458 Italia GTGTE
Pro
31220th5th
2016 Toyota Gazoo Racing Mike Conway
Stéphane Sarrazin
Toyota TS050 HybridLMP13812nd2nd
2017 Toyota Gazoo Racing Mike Conway
Stéphane Sarrazin
Toyota TS050 HybridLMP1154DNFDNF
2018 Toyota Gazoo Racing Mike Conway
José María López
Toyota TS050 HybridLMP13862nd2nd
2019 Toyota Gazoo Racing Mike Conway
José María López
Toyota TS050 HybridLMP13852nd2nd
2020 Toyota Gazoo Racing Mike Conway
José María López
Toyota TS050 HybridLMP13813rd3rd
2021 Toyota Gazoo Racing Mike Conway
José María López
Toyota GR010 HybridHypercar3711st1st
2022 Toyota Gazoo Racing Mike Conway
José María López
Toyota GR010 HybridHypercar3802nd2nd
2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing Mike Conway
José María López
Toyota GR010 HybridHypercar103DNFDNF
2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing José María López
Nyck de Vries
Toyota GR010 HybridHypercar3112nd2nd

Complete Super Formula results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

YearEntrant12345678910DCPoints
2015nowrapKygnus Sunoco Team LeMansSUZ
OKA
FUJ
MOT
AUT
SUG
SUZ
SUZ
6th20
2016nowrapSunoco Team LeMansSUZ
OKA
FUJ
MOT
OKA
OKA
SUG
SUZ
SUZ
17th1
2017nowrapKCMGSUZ
OKA
OKA
FUJ
MOT
AUT
SUG
SUZ
SUZ
7th16.5
2018carrozzeria Team KCMGSUZ
AUT
SUG
FUJ
MOTOKA
SUZ
10th11
2019SUZ
AUT
SUG
FUJ
MOT
OKA
SUZ
6th19
2020MOT
OKASUG
AUTSUZ
SUZ
FUJ
16th8
2021FUJSUZAUTSUGMOTMOT
SUZ20th1
2022nowrapKCMGFUJ
FUJ
SUZ
AUT
SUG
FUJ
MOT
MOT
SUZ
SUZ
17th9
2023Kids com Team KCMGFUJ
FUJ
SUZ
AUT
SUG
FUJ
MOT
SUZ
SUZ
11th17.5
2024SUZ
AUT
SUG
FUJ
MOT
FUJ
FUJ
SUZ
SUZ
13th*4.5*
Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.
Did not finish the race, but was classified as he completed over 90% of the race distance.

Complete Super GT results

YearTeamCarClass12345678DCPoints
2017nowrapLexus Team WedsSport BandohnowrapLexus LC 500GT500OKAFUJAUTSUGFUJSUZ
CHAMOT17th10
2018nowrapLexus Team SARDnowrapLexus LC 500GT500OKA
FUJSUZ
CHA
FUJ
SUG
AUT
MOT
13th27

Complete Formula E results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Complete IMSA SportsCar Championship results

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position)

YearTeamNo.ClassMakeEngine123456789101112RankPoints
2019nowrapKonica Minolta Cadillac10DPinowrapCadillac DPi-V.RnowrapCadillac 5.5 L V8DAY
SEBLBHMDODETWGLMOSELKLGAPET27th35
2020nowrapKonica Minolta Cadillac10DPinowrapCadillac DPi-V.RnowrapCadillac 5.5 L V8DAY
DAYSEBELKATLMDOPETLGASEB23rd35
2021nowrapAlly Cadillac Racing48DPinowrapCadillac DPi-V.RnowrapCadillac 5.5 L V8DAY
SEB
MDODETWGL
WGLELKLGALBHPET
12th1203
2022nowrapAlly Cadillac48DPinowrapCadillac DPi-V.RnowrapCadillac 5.5 L V8DAY
SEB
LBHLGAMDODETWGL
PET
11th1146
nowrapVasserSullivan14nowrapGTD PronowrapLexus RC F GT3nowrapToyota 2UR 5.0 L V8MOS
LIMELKVIR28th276

24 Hours of Daytona results

YearTeamCo-DriversCarClassLaps
2019 Konica Minolta Cadillac Renger van der Zande
Jordan Taylor
Fernando Alonso
Cadillac DPi-V.RDPi5931st1st
2020 Konica Minolta Cadillac Renger van der Zande
Ryan Briscoe
Scott Dixon
Cadillac DPi-V.RDPi8331st1st
2021 Ally Cadillac Racing Jimmie Johnson
Simon Pagenaud
Mike Rockenfeller
Cadillac DPi-V.RDPi8072nd2nd
2022 Ally Cadillac Racing Jimmie Johnson
José María López
Mike Rockenfeller
Cadillac DPi-V.RDPi73911th5th

NASCAR

(key) (

Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

Cup Series

NASCAR Cup Series results
YearTeamNo.Make123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536PtsRef
202323XI Racing67ToyotaDAYCALLVSPHOATLCOARCHBRDMARTALDOVKANDARCLTGTWSONNSHCSCATLNHAPOCRCHMCHIRC
33
GLNDAYDARKANBRITEXTALROVLVSHOMMARPHO63rd01[48]
202450DAYATLLVSPHOBRICOA
29
RCHMARTEXTALDOVKANDARCLTGTWSONIOWNHANSHCSCPOCINDRCHMCHDAYDARATLGLNBRIKANTALROVLVSHOMMARPHO-*-*[49]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Sauber confirm Kobayashi. Al-Jazeera. Aljazeera IT. 2009-12-17. 4 February 2010.
  2. News: Toyota confirm Kobayashi as third driver. autosport.com. 2007-11-16. 16 November 2007.
  3. News: Strang. Simon. Kobayashi subs for Glock in practice. Haymarket Publications. autosport.com. 2009-10-02. 2 October 2009.
  4. News: Strang. Simon. Injured Glock out of Japanese GP. Haymarket Publications. autosport.com. 2009-10-04. 15 October 2009.
  5. News: Timo Glock to miss Brazilian Grand Prix. Toyota Racing. Toyota. 2009-10-11. 9 October 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20120313130613/http://ms.toyota.co.jp/en/F1archive/news/2009/091011.html. 13 March 2012. dead.
  6. News: Brilliant Button clinches title. 2009-10-18. BBC Sport website. BBC. 18 October 2009. Chris. Whyatt.
  7. News: Elizalde. Pablo. Glock to miss final race of the season. Haymarket Publications. autosport.com. 2009-10-27. 27 October 2009.
  8. News: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying results . BBC News . 2009-10-31 . 7 May 2010.
  9. News: Kobayashi set for full-time seat . BBC News . 2009-11-01 . 7 May 2010.
  10. News: F1 gossip column . BBC News . 2009-12-02 . 7 May 2010.
  11. News: Sauber F1 team recruit Japan's Kamui Kobayashi. BBC Sport. BBC. 2009-12-16. 16 December 2009.
  12. News: My F1 2010 season review. BBC Sport. BBC. Murray. Walker. Murray Walker. 25 November 2010. 25 November 2010.
  13. Web site: 2010 Races. brundlequotes.com. Martin Brundle's Racing Lines. 28 February 2011. 31 July 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110731161656/http://www.brundlequotes.com/page2.htm. dead.
  14. News: Kamui Kobayashi to remain with Formula 1 team Sauber. BBC Sport. BBC. 2010-09-07. 7 September 2010.
  15. News: Kobayashi and Perez to stay at Sauber in 2012 . formula1.com . . 28 July 2011 . 30 July 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111016101954/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2011/7/12364.html . 16 October 2011 .
  16. News: Australian GP: Race. 18 March 2012. 9 April 2012. Sauber F1 Team. Sauber F1. https://archive.today/20121216130521/http://www.sauberf1team.com/en/news.cfm?id=D7S09505-Australian_GP_–_Race. 16 December 2012. dead.
  17. News: Malaysian GP: Race. 25 March 2012. 9 April 2012. Sauber F1 Team. Sauber F1.
  18. News: Sauber satisfied with double score. Crash.net. Crash Media Group. 22 July 2012. 22 July 2012. 30 July 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120730005412/http://www.crash.net/f1/news/182224/1/sauber_satisfied_with_double_score.html. dead.
  19. News: Button wins after first-corner carnage at Spa. Formula1.com. Formula One Administration. 2 September 2012. 4 September 2012.
  20. News: Kamui Kobayashi celebrates 'amazing' podium. Jonathan. Noble. Matt. Beer. Autosport. Haymarket Publications. 7 October 2012. 7 October 2012. Kobayashi's result equalled the best ever finish for Japanese drivers in Formula 1 – achieved by Aguri Suzuki at Suzuka in 1990 and Takuma Sato at Indianapolis in 2004..
  21. News: Mexican Esteban Gutierrez signs on at Sauber. Andrew. Benson. BBC Sport. BBC. 23 November 2012. 23 November 2012.
  22. News: Brazilian GP: Race. 25 November 2012. 1 December 2012. Sauber F1 Team. Sauber F1. dead. https://archive.today/20130104192921/http://www.sauberf1team.com/en/news.cfm?id=93AQA924-Brazilian_GP_Race. 4 January 2013.
  23. News: Kamui Kobayashi gives up on F1 drive for 2013 season. Jonathan. Noble. Autosport. Haymarket Publications. 17 December 2012. 18 December 2012.
  24. News: Kobayashi joins Ferrari line-up. 11 March 2013. 11 March 2013. Autosport. Gary. Watkins. Haymarket Publications.
  25. News: Kamui Kobayashi gets first Ferrari F1 test in 2010 car at Fiorano . Autosport . 27 May 2013 . 26 April 2014.
  26. Circuito de Fiorano
  27. Web site: Statistiques 24ème Heure / 24th Hour Statistics . . 23 June 2013 . 23 June 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131022123833/http://www.24h-lemans.com/wpphpFichiers/1/1/ressources/Pdf/2013/24-heures-du-mans/classification/stats/stats24.pdf . 22 October 2013 .
  28. Web site: Race – Final Classification . . 23 June 2013 . 23 June 2013.
  29. News: Le Mans 24 Hours: Kristensen, McNish, Duval clinch Audi victory. Autosport . 23 June 2013 . 26 April 2014.
  30. News: Matt . Beer . Caterham signs Kobayashi, Ericsson for 2014 Formula 1 season . Autosport.com . . 21 January 2014 . 21 January 2014.
  31. Web site: Ninth place for Jules Bianchi in Monaco saw Marussia score their first F1 points | Sky Sports. www1.skysports.com. 28 May 2014.
  32. News: Belgian GP: Andre Lotterer in for Kamui Kobayashi at Caterham. 20 August 2014. BBC News. 20 August 2014.
  33. News: Caterham confirms Kobayashi's Monza F1 return and Merhi's FP1 run. 4 September 2014. Haymarket Publishing. autosport.com. 5 September 2014.
  34. News: Anderson. Ben. Italian GP: Kamui Kobayashi unhappy with Caterham F1 situation. 4 September 2014. Haymarket Publishing. autosport.com. 5 September 2014.
  35. Web site: Toyota Outlines 2015 Motorsports Activities, Announces Return to World Rally Championship . 30 January 2015 . Toyota Global Newsroom Publishing . 2 February 2015.
  36. Web site: Kamui Kobayashi joins KCMG for 2017 Super Formula campaign . www.kcmg.com.hk. 22 July 2017.
  37. Web site: Wood. Elliot. 2020-09-23. Yuichi Nakayama replaces quarantined Kobayashi in Super Formula. 2020-09-23. Formula Scout. en-US.
  38. Web site: Kamui Kobayashi among absentees for Super Formula opener. 2021-03-30. www.motorsport.com. 30 March 2021 . en.
  39. News: Toyota Gazoo Racing Announces Super GT Programmes For 2018. 8 February 2018. dailysportscar.com . 8 February 2018.
  40. News: Watkins . Gary . Toyota wins home Fuji WEC race with Kobayashi, Conway and Sarrazin. 16 October 2016. Haymarket Publishing. autosport.com. 16 October 2016.
  41. Web site: 3:14.791! #7 Toyota Gazoo Racing Kamui Kobayashi just did the best time ever around Le Mans24 . 15 June 2017. . 26 May 2022.
  42. Web site: Kobayashi to have fully operational role as Toyota WEC squad team principal . Watkins . Gary . 6 December 2021 . . 19 March 2022.
  43. Web site: Kamui Kobayashi making Cup debut at Indianapolis with 23XI Racing . . NASCAR Digital Media . June 7, 2023 . June 7, 2023.
  44. News: NASCAR brings out the ringers as Cup Series stages first road course race of the season at COTA. Vertuno. Jim. March 23, 2024. March 26, 2024. Associated Press. Associated Press. https://web.archive.org/web/20240326152213/https://apnews.com/article/nascar-road-ringers-gisbergen-5700228a944bb6fb2859d6d570948bc0. March 26, 2024. Austin.
  45. Web site: ちぃ . 2009-10-14 . 小林可夢偉選手ってどんな人? . トヨタモータースポーツ インサイドブログ . 4 October 2010 .
  46. http://bollyspice.com/57703/asian-awards-winners-night-event Winners at the Asian Awards
  47. Web site: Euwema . Davey . Kobayashi to Race Supra GT4 Evo in NLS Opener – Sportscar365 . sportscar365.com . 3 April 2024.
  48. Web site: Kamui Kobayashi – 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Results. Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 13, 2023.
  49. Web site: Kamui Kobayashi – 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Results. Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 24, 2024.