'I thought we were out of contention ’- Nyck de Vries Reflects on Toyota’s Le Mans Triumph
Nyck de Vries admitted Toyota appeared out of contention multiple times during the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, overcoming punctures and technical issues to secure victory
- Surbhi Khera
- 4 min read
The 24 Hours of Le Mans has a reputation for turning certainty into doubt and doubt into opportunity. Even the strongest teams can see their fortunes change within minutes over the course of the legendary endurance race.
That unpredictability was on full display during the 2026 edition, where Toyota found itself battling far more than rival manufacturers. Mechanical concerns, lost pace, and early setbacks repeatedly threatened to derail the team’s hopes of victory.
Speaking after the race, Nyck de Vries offered an honest assessment of the emotional rollercoaster that unfolded across 24 hours. Rather than celebrating the result alone, he reflected on the moments when victory felt increasingly unlikely.
His comments ultimately highlighted why Le Mans remains one of motorsport’s most demanding challenges. In a race where fortunes can shift at any moment, Toyota’s triumph became a story of resilience, patience, and collective belief.
1. Nyck de Vries reveals why Toyota’s Le Mans victory felt impossible at times
Speaking to TNT Sports after Toyota’s victory at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, Nyck de Vries revealed that he repeatedly believed the race had slipped away from the team. Despite ultimately standing on the top step of the podium, De Vries admitted the road to victory was far from straightforward. ‘Frankly speaking, I thought we were out of contention many times,’ De Vries said while reflecting on the dramatic race. The Dutch driver pointed to an early puncture and a sensor issue that significantly impacted the car’s straight-line performance during crucial portions of the event. According to De Vries, the loss of speed left Toyota concerned about whether it could realistically fight for victory against its rivals. Multiple setbacks throughout the race forced the team to focus on survival and execution rather than simply chasing outright pace. However, the eventual result reinforced one of endurance racing’s most famous lessons. As De Vries put it, Le Mans is ‘never ended,’ a reminder that fortunes can change at any point during the 24-hour contest.
2. Technical problems failed to derail Toyota’s Le Mans charge
While discussing the team’s recovery, De Vries provided further insight into the challenges Toyota faced behind the scenes. The combination of an early puncture and ongoing sensor troubles created uncertainty about whether the car had enough performance to remain in the fight. Those issues were particularly damaging because they affected straight-line speed, one of the most important elements around the Circuit de la Sarthe. Rather than running a clean race, Toyota spent much of the event managing problems while attempting to stay within reach of the leaders. Even so, the team refused to abandon its strategy or lose confidence in its chances. Over the course of the race, Toyota gradually worked its way back into contention and positioned itself for a late push when opportunities emerged. The recovery ultimately became one of the defining storylines of the event. What initially looked like a race filled with setbacks ended with Toyota securing one of the most dramatic victories of the 2026 endurance season.
3. Nyck de Vries calls Le Mans victory a ‘collective achievement’
After reflecting on the obstacles Toyota overcame, De Vries shifted attention away from himself and toward the people around him. Rather than celebrating individual contributions, the Dutch driver repeatedly described the win as a team accomplishment. ‘It’s a collective achievement,’ De Vries said while discussing his partnership with teammates Mike Conway and Kamui Kobayashi. The trio has worked together for four-and-a-half years, building the chemistry that ultimately helped carry them through one of motorsport’s toughest challenges. De Vries also highlighted the dynamic within the driver lineup, explaining that each member brings different strengths to the team. According to him, everyone complements one another, creating an environment that has become ‘a joy’ to be part of. With the celebrations continuing around him, De Vries’ final reflections centered on unity rather than individual glory. After 24 demanding hours, Toyota’s victory stood as the product of persistence, teamwork, and a belief that the race was never truly over.