VDS Panis Racing x ELF: From Monaco to Le Mans
From the outset, VDS Panis Racing partnered with ELF, a brand synonymous with motorsport innovation
Olivier Panis: From Driver to Team Leader
Olivier Panis, winner of the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix, remains one of France’s most celebrated Formula 1 drivers. After retiring, he shifted focus to team management, founding Panis Racing in 2016. His goal was clear: bring his F1 experience into endurance racing and develop a competitive structure for rising talent. In 2025, his collaboration with Belgian motorsport patron Marc van der Straten gave birth to VDS Panis Racing, blending Panis’ racing expertise with VDS’ endurance pedigree.
Partnership with ELF: Fueling Performance
From the outset, VDS Panis Racing partnered with ELF, a brand synonymous with motorsport innovation. ELF’s advanced fuels and lubricants provided the reliability and performance edge needed to fight at the front of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) grid.
Key Victories and Milestones
2025 Season Breakthrough: Two ORECA 07 prototypes entered—#48 in LMP2 Pro and #29 in LMP2 Pro-Am
Imola Triumph (July 2025): Charles Milesi, Esteban Masson, and Oliver Gray took victory at Imola for the second year running
Spa-Francorchamps Glory (August 2025): The same trio dominated the 4 Hours of Spa, finishing over 24 seconds clear
Portimão Title (September 2025): The season finale sealed the 2025 ELMS LMP2 Championship, crowning VDS Panis Racing as champions
Looking Ahead
With the ELMS title secured, Panis’ vision has been validated: combining his F1-honed instincts with endurance strategy has created a team capable of challenging the very best. Alongside ELF, VDS Panis Racing now sets its sights on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, aiming to translate their ELMS dominance into glory on the world’s biggest endurance stage.
