On 13-14 June, Sanofi is partnering with McLaren Racing and its affiliated team United Autosports, to raise diabetes awareness during the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, with support from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). United Autosports car #22 LMP2 will participate in the iconic race featuring a bespoke livery that showcases the blue circle, the global symbol of diabetes awareness, and the slogan #RacingforDiabetes.
The car will place diabetes in a high-profile setting defined by endurance, precision, teamwork and rapid decision-making, highlighting the challenges, strength and resilience of people living with diabetes.
The endurance racing comparison is clear. During a 24-hour race, drivers and teams constantly interpret data, respond to changing conditions and make high-pressure decisions. People living with diabetes also manage a continuous flow of decisions involving food, medication, glucose monitoring, physical activity, sleep, stress and daily routines. Research estimates that people with type 1 diabetes make more than 180 extra health-related decisions each day.
Using motorsport to build diabetes awareness
By reaching motorsport fans and wider audiences, #RacingforDiabetes aims to encourage early awareness of diabetes risk, testing, timely support and better understanding of the daily realities faced by people living with diabetes. According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas, an estimated 589 million adults aged 20–79 were living with diabetes globally in 2024, with the number projected to rise to 853 million by 2050.
Many people living with diabetes remain undiagnosed, making timely detection, early diagnosis and access to care essential. “Early action on diabetes” is theme of IDF’s new two-year (2026-27) World Diabetes Day campaign.
United Autosports car #22 will be piloted by a three-man team that includes Mikkel Jensen, whose father lives with type 1 diabetes. “Racing for a cause that helps my father means a lot to me. He’s been a big support throughout my career and I wouldn’t be a racing car driver without him.”
Moving from awareness to action on diabetes is critical. The #RacingforDiabetes car in Le Mans will help turn visibility into a call to action for earlier prevention, earlier diagnosis, and stronger support for people living with diabetes worldwide.
Follow the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans at 24h-lemans.com
