Ben Hanley will head into the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans with confidence and momentum as the European Le Mans Series championship leader prepares for another assault on endurance racing’s greatest stage.
The British driver will represent United Autosports in the #222 LMP2 Pro/Am entry alongside Oliver Jarvis and Daniel Schneider. The trio reunites after competing together at Le Mans in 2025, and they now aim to convert experience into a strong result at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
Hanley already boasts an impressive record at the famous French endurance classic. He secured victory in the LMP2 Pro/Am category in 2021 with DragonSpeed USA before adding a second-place finish with Nielsen Racing in 2022. Consequently, he now arrives at Le Mans chasing a third podium appearance.
Strong ELMS form builds momentum as Hanley prepares for 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans with United Autosports
United Autosports has started the 2026 European Le Mans Series campaign in excellent form, with a third-place finish in Spain followed by victory at Le Castellet. As a result, Hanley and the team currently lead the championship standings heading into the summer break before Imola.
Hanley, while speaking to ELMS, credited the team’s winter preparation for the strong start while also acknowledging that further improvements remain necessary.
“The start of the season has been very good so far, the team have worked very hard over the winter, and it’s has shown as we are leading the championship. It is a nice place to be in during the Le Mans period as there is a big break until the next ELMS race and everyone is in a good place, saying that we still know what areas we need to work on to improve going forward and that’s what we are doing behind the scene in preparation for Imola.”
The positive atmosphere within the team has also extended to Hanley’s ELMS team-mates Grégoire Saucy and Griffin Peebles, who have quickly developed strong chemistry throughout the opening rounds.
“I raced with Gregoire last season, so I know how fast he is, as we saw in Le Castellet, then Griffin has popped onto the scene and is doing a fantastic job so far and long may that continue. We are all getting on very well and it’s created a nice environment to be working together in.”
Familiar Le Mans line-up offers advantage
For Le Mans, Hanley will switch to the #222 Pro/Am entry alongside Oliver Jarvis and Daniel Schneider. Importantly, the continuity of the line-up could prove valuable during the demanding 24-hour race.
Daniel Schneider now returns with an additional year of Le Mans experience, while the established relationship between the drivers should help the team settle quickly into race week.
“It’s always good to keep consistency in driver lineups so heading into Le Mans with the same crew as last year is an advantage in that regard. Now Daniel has a year of experience, so he knows what is coming and also knows where he is going now compared to this time last year when it was all new.”
That familiarity could become a crucial factor in a category where small details often decide the outcome over 24 relentless hours.
Memories of success fuel new ambitions
Hanley’s previous Le Mans achievements continue to motivate him as he prepares for another challenge around La Sarthe. Winning the LMP2 Pro/Am class in 2021 remains one of the defining moments of his endurance racing career.
“Obviously winning the Pro/Am with DragonSpeed and standing on that top step of the podium is a great memory of Le Mans, it just makes you hungry for more of the same!”
Although the LMP2 category no longer competes full-time in the FIA World Endurance Championship, Hanley still views Le Mans as an event with unique pressure and significance.
“Le Mans is its own event in my eyes, even if you’re competing in the WEC. You always have an eye on Le Mans, so it has its own pressure regardless of if it’s a one-off race event, like LMP2 is at the moment. Everyone is going there aiming to win their respective categories and we are aiming for the same. The win!”
Furthermore, like many drivers, Hanley has developed a strong connection with specific sections of the legendary circuit. The high-speed Porsche Curves remain his standout favourite, although other technical areas also rank highly.
“My favourite section is probably the Porsche sequence, although Indy and Arnage sequences are a close second.”
Those corners will once again test drivers’ precision and bravery during the 94th running of the iconic endurance race.
Hanley maintains clear focus on victory ahead of 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans outing with United Autosports
Despite the depth of competition within the LMP2 Pro/Am field, Hanley has no intention of setting conservative targets for the weekend. Instead, the British driver enters Le Mans with a straightforward objective.
“I think I’ve already mentioned it above, but we will be aiming for the win, so that’s where we are looking to be come Sunday afternoon.”
With championship momentum, an experienced line-up, and proven Le Mans pedigree, Hanley and United Autosports will arrive at La Sarthe believing another podium finish — and potentially even victory — remains firmly within reach.
