Sébastien Buemi
A Swiss speed machine who has conquered both Formula E and the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, becoming a cornerstone of Toyota's endurance dynasty.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Swiss racing driver·Birthday: October 31·Millennials
Biography
Sébastien Buemi operates at the intersection of electric innovation and traditional endurance grit. His early career was forged in Formula One with Scuderia Toro Rosso, but his legacy was built elsewhere. He became a founding figure in Formula E, capturing the championship in its second season with Renault e.dams and remaining a perennial title threat. Simultaneously, he embedded himself with Toyota Gazoo Racing in the World Endurance Championship. There, his blistering pace and unflappable consistency made him the linchpin of a historic run, piloting hybrid prototypes to multiple Le Mans victories and world titles. Buemi’s career defies specialization, showcasing a rare ability to master vastly different racing disciplines at the highest level.
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.
Sébastien was born in 1988, 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 Sébastien Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Sébastien's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2015–16 Formula E Drivers' Championship driving for Renault e.dams.
- Has secured four overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (2018, 2019, 2020, 2022) with Toyota.
- Earned four FIA World Endurance Championship drivers' titles (2014, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2022).
Did You Know?
He served as Red Bull Racing's reserve and test driver in Formula One for several seasons.
In 2014, he set the record for the fastest lap at the Circuit de la Sarthe during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with a time of 3:17.475.
He is an avid sim racer and often uses it for training and setup work.
“In Formula E, you have to think about energy all the time. It’s like a chess game at 200 km/h.”
