André Lotterer
A master of endurance, he conquered the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times while becoming a versatile champion across continents and racing formats.
Born 1981 (age 45)·German racing driver·Birthday: November 19·Millennials
Biography
André Lotterer is the quiet powerhouse of global motorsport, a driver whose name is synonymous with relentless speed and mechanical sympathy over impossible distances. While a single Formula 1 start in 2014 provided a brief glimpse of his talent to a mainstream audience, his true kingdom has been endurance racing. As a cornerstone of Audi's legendary Le Mans program, he helped pilot the revolutionary diesel-powered R18 to multiple victories, mastering the art of racing through night and day. His career is a study in global versatility: he dominated Japan's Super GT and Formula Nippon series, becoming a beloved figure there, and later transitioned seamlessly to Formula E's all-electric battles. Even into his forties, Lotterer's racecraft remained razor-sharp, culminating in a 2024 World Endurance Championship title with Porsche, proving his adaptability across eras and technologies.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
André was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When André Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
André's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times (2011, 2012, 2014) as a key driver for Audi Sport.
- Secured the FIA World Endurance Drivers' Championship title in both 2012 (with Audi) and 2024 (with Porsche).
- Captured Japan's premier Super GT championship twice (2011, 2017) and the Formula Nippon title in 2011.
- Competed as a factory driver for top manufacturers including Audi, Porsche, and Jaguar in Formula E.
Did You Know?
He speaks four languages fluently: German, English, French, and Italian.
He made his Formula 1 debut at age 32 for the Caterham team at the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix.
He lived in Japan for over a decade during the peak of his success in Japanese motorsport.
His father, also named André, was a touring car racer in the 1970s.
“The car is the star; I am just its temporary conductor.”
