Tom Gamble – 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours Race Report
The 2026 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans marked another significant milestone in Tom Gamble’s career, as he delivered a mature, composed and highly competitive performance aboard the #007 Aston Martin Valkyrie alongside Harry Tincknell and Ross Gunn.
Entering the event, the Aston Martin programme arrived at Le Mans carrying considerable momentum. During the official Test Day, Tom underlined both his speed and confidence around the Circuit de la Sarthe by setting the fastest overall lap of the day, placing the #007 Valkyrie at the top of the Hypercar timesheets and signalling the progress Aston Martin had made with the Valkyrie programme over the previous twelve months. This achievement generated significant attention throughout the paddock and demonstrated the outright potential of both car and driver.
Le Mans, however, is never won on pace alone. Over 24 hours, success is determined by execution, reliability, adaptability and consistency. Throughout the race, Tom delivered exactly those qualities. His stints were characterised by strong race management, disciplined traffic navigation and the ability to consistently maintain competitive lap times while preserving both tyres and machinery.
As the race evolved, the Hypercar category once again proved to be one of the most fiercely contested eras in Le Mans history. Against factory efforts from Toyota, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Alpine and others, the Aston Martin THOR Team executed a clean and professional race. Tom played a key role in ensuring the #007 Valkyrie remained firmly in contention throughout the event, avoiding costly mistakes and maximising every opportunity available.
After 24 demanding hours, the #007 Aston Martin Valkyrie crossed the finish line in eighth position overall. While the result may not fully reflect the pace shown during the week, it represents a significant achievement for a relatively young Hypercar programme competing against some of the most established manufacturers in endurance racing. More importantly, it demonstrated the growing competitiveness and reliability of the Valkyrie package on motorsport’s biggest stage.
From a management perspective, Tom’s performance was another clear demonstration of his value as a modern endurance racer. Beyond his outright speed, he continues to show the professionalism, technical understanding and consistency required to succeed at the highest level of international sportscar racing. His ability to deliver under pressure, contribute effectively to car development and perform in one of the world’s most demanding events further strengthens his reputation within the FIA World Endurance Championship paddock.
Le Mans remains the benchmark by which endurance drivers are judged. In 2026, Tom not only proved he belongs among the elite drivers in the Hypercar category, but also reinforced his position as an integral part of Aston Martin’s long-term ambitions at the front of world endurance racing.
The foundations laid during this year’s event provide considerable encouragement for the remainder of the FIA World Endurance Championship season and for future Le Mans campaigns. We leave France proud of the performance delivered, encouraged by the progress achieved, and motivated by the opportunities that lie ahead.