Interview: Malthe Jakobsen
the New Talent of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies in WEC!
The 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season promises to be an exciting one for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies, with the arrival of a new official driver: Malthe Jakobsen. The 21-year-old Danish racer has been climbing the ranks within the team for several years, and is now ready to take on the ultimate challenge in the Hypercar category.
Interview: Malthe Jakobsen
the New Talent of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies in WEC!
The 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season promises to be an exciting one for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies, with the arrival of a new official driver: Malthe Jakobsen. The 21-year-old Danish racer has been climbing the ranks within the team for several years, and is now ready to take on the ultimate challenge in the Hypercar category.
A GRADUAL INTEGRATION
Although Malthe Jakobsen has just been officially announced as a full-time driver, his journey with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies started much earlier. “I first met the team at the end of 2022 as a rookie during a test in Bahrain. Then, in 2023, I joined as a Junior Driver before becoming the reserve driver last year. My integration has been gradual, which allows me to feel completely at ease in this new environment,” he told Peugeot Magazine. Does he feel any difference now that he is an official driver? “Not yet, but I think everything will feel more real during the first race in Doha on February 28. Luckily, I am well-prepared and surrounded by people ready to support me.”
A GRADUAL INTEGRATION
Although Malthe Jakobsen has just been officially announced as a full-time driver, his journey with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies started much earlier. “I first met the team at the end of 2022 as a rookie during a test in Bahrain. Then, in 2023, I joined as a Junior Driver before becoming the reserve driver last year. My integration has been gradual, which allows me to feel completely at ease in this new environment,” he told Peugeot Magazine. Does he feel any difference now that he is an official driver? “Not yet, but I think everything will feel more real during the first race in Doha on February 28. Luckily, I am well-prepared and surrounded by people ready to support me.”
DISCOVERING THE 9X8
Malthe Jakobsen has already had the opportunity to drive the Peugeot 9X8, and he makes no secret of his excitement. “Going from LMP3 to Hypercar was a massive step. There is so much more technology involved, and the number of engineers working on the program is incredible. Adapting was a challenge, but now I feel totally ready! One of the biggest changes is the addition of the front electric motor, which gives the car all-wheel drive. This makes it more complex, with many different settings depending on track conditions, fuel levels, and other parameters. A driver needs to know everything by heart, just like studying a textbook.”
DISCOVERING THE 9X8
Malthe Jakobsen has already had the opportunity to drive the Peugeot 9X8, and he makes no secret of his excitement. “Going from LMP3 to Hypercar was a massive step. There is so much more technology involved, and the number of engineers working on the program is incredible. Adapting was a challenge, but now I feel totally ready! One of the biggest changes is the addition of the front electric motor, which gives the car all-wheel drive. This makes it more complex, with many different settings depending on track conditions, fuel levels, and other parameters. A driver needs to know everything by heart, just like studying a textbook.”
A CLEAR GOAL: SHINE IN HYPERCAR
Joining the top class of endurance racing is a major achievement for the young Danish driver, who spent five seasons in the European Le Mans Series. But he knows the challenge ahead is immense. “The Hypercar category is extremely competitive, with top teams and world-class drivers. My goal is to prove that I can fight at this level and stay here for many years. ”Among all the races on the calendar, one stands out: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s the race everyone looks forward to and prepares for all year. Racing there in the top category with a legendary French brand like Peugeot is a huge honour.”
A CLEAR GOAL: SHINE IN HYPERCAR
Joining the top class of endurance racing is a major achievement for the young Danish driver, who spent five seasons in the European Le Mans Series. But he knows the challenge ahead is immense. “The Hypercar category is extremely competitive, with top teams and world-class drivers. My goal is to prove that I can fight at this level and stay here for many years. ”Among all the races on the calendar, one stands out: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s the race everyone looks forward to and prepares for all year. Racing there in the top category with a legendary French brand like Peugeot is a huge honour.”
INSPIRATION AND PHILOSOPHY
When asked which driver has inspired him the most, Malthe Jakobsen doesn’t hesitate for a second before mentioning Tom Kristensen, his fellow Dane and nine-time Le Mans winner. “He had a huge influence on Danish motorsport. As a kid, I watched his races, and they made me want to pursue endurance racing.” Speaking of childhood, if Malthe could give advice to his younger self just starting out in karting, what would it be? “Stay true to yourself and don’t give in to pressure. Every step is a challenge, but you shouldn’t change who you are. Being humble and hardworking always pays off in the end.”
INSPIRATION AND PHILOSOPHY
When asked which driver has inspired him the most, Malthe Jakobsen doesn’t hesitate for a second before mentioning Tom Kristensen, his fellow Dane and nine-time Le Mans winner. “He had a huge influence on Danish motorsport. As a kid, I watched his races, and they made me want to pursue endurance racing.” Speaking of childhood, if Malthe could give advice to his younger self just starting out in karting, what would it be? “Stay true to yourself and don’t give in to pressure. Every step is a challenge, but you shouldn’t change who you are. Being humble and hardworking always pays off in the end.”
BETWEEN DISCIPLINE AND PASSION
When he’s not racing, Malthe Jakobsen spends time with his loved ones and enjoys other passions. “I love handball, which is very popular in Denmark. When I was younger, I spent my weekends playing with friends in sports halls.” Nowadays, his daily routine is shaped by training and physical preparation, essential for performing at the highest level. What are his hopes for 2025? “A great WEC season, and above all, a strong race at Le Mans. That’s our ultimate goal!” Malthe Jakobsen is ready to write a new chapter in Team Peugeot TotalEnergies’ endurance racing history. See you on the track!
BETWEEN DISCIPLINE AND PASSION
When he’s not racing, Malthe Jakobsen spends time with his loved ones and enjoys other passions. “I love handball, which is very popular in Denmark. When I was younger, I spent my weekends playing with friends in sports halls.” Nowadays, his daily routine is shaped by training and physical preparation, essential for performing at the highest level. What are his hopes for 2025? “A great WEC season, and above all, a strong race at Le Mans. That’s our ultimate goal!” Malthe Jakobsen is ready to write a new chapter in Team Peugeot TotalEnergies’ endurance racing history. See you on the track!
MALTHE JAKOBSEN IN 6 KEY MOMENTS
- October 2003: Born on the 29th
- 2006: First time in a kart at the age of 3
- June 2010: First visit to Le Mans as a spectator with his father, choosing a Peugeot model as his favorite miniature car
- December 2023: Graduates as an Industrial Technician
- July 2024: Officially signed as a full-time driver for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for the 2025 season
- January 2025: Moves into his first apartment
MALTHE JAKOBSEN IN 6 KEY MOMENTS
- October 2003: Born on the 29th
- 2006: First time in a kart at the age of 3
- June 2010: First visit to Le Mans as a spectator with his father, choosing a Peugeot model as his favorite miniature car
- December 2023: Graduates as an Industrial Technician
- July 2024: Officially signed as a full-time driver for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for the 2025 season
- January 2025: Moves into his first apartment
TAGS:
Peugeot & Moi,
Expérience de conduite