The 2026 season has solidified the dominance of Toyota Gazoo Racing in the world endurance arena. The crew of the #8 GR010 Hybrid, featuring Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa, officially claimed the 2026 Hypercar World Championship following a decisive performance at the Monza 6 Hours finale.
This achievement cements Buemi and Hartley’s status as true legends of motorsport, each securing their fifth world title. This milestone places them in an elite club alongside icons such as Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, who have also reached five or more titles in FIA-sanctioned championships. Meanwhile, for Hirakawa, this victory marks his third championship crown in just five years, showcasing a remarkable strike rate.
Sebastien Buemi, the longest-serving driver in Toyota's current program since 2013, admitted that the season was a rollercoaster of emotions. "It is hard to describe the feeling. Obviously, it is amazing to be sharing it with Brendon and Ryo," Buemi said. He noted that while losing Le Mans was difficult, the subsequent victories in Fuji and Barcelona provided the necessary momentum to clinch the championship.
The tension at the Monza finale was palpable. Despite struggling with pace, the team maintained a strict focus on their rival #7 entry. "We knew coming here we had to beat car #7. With the Virtual Safety Car and full course yellows, anything could happen, so it is a relief to finally secure the result," he added.
The success serves as a testament to the development work conducted at the Cologne headquarters, resulting in a car that remained competitive throughout the season. Buemi credited the team for their collective effort, insisting that the victory belonged to everyone involved in the project. Read our in-depth analysis and catch up on all the latest WEC news on Sportrik Media.
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