Luiz Felipe de Oliveira Nasr Bio
Luiz Felipe de Oliveira Nasr, born on August 21, 1992, in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil, is a professional Brazilian racing driver. He currently competes in the IMSA SportsCar Championship for Porsche Penske Motorsport. Nasr has a diverse racing background, including competing in Formula One from 2015 to 2016 and achieving multiple titles in endurance racing, notably winning three IMSA SportsCar Championship titles and prestigious endurance races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Early Life and Background
Nasr was born in Brasília and began karting at the age of seven, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent in Brazilian karting championships. Between 2000 and 2007, he secured several championship titles in Brazil, laying a strong foundation for his racing career. Coming from a family with motorsport connections, Nasr is the nephew of Amir Nasr, a prominent figure in South American Formula Three racing, which supported the development of many Brazilian drivers.
His early exposure to racing was complemented by his multilingual abilities, speaking Portuguese, English, and Italian. Nasr’s favorite driver is Ayrton Senna, and he has expressed admiration for circuits like Spa-Francorchamps. His interests outside racing include sports, fishing, and mechanics, reflecting a well-rounded personality.
Path to NASCAR
While Nasr’s career did not follow the traditional NASCAR ladder, his progression through various open-wheel and endurance racing series showcased his adaptability and skill. Beginning with Formula BMW Europe, where he won the championship in 2009, Nasr advanced through British Formula 3, winning the title in 2011, and then competed in the GP2 Series from 2012 to 2014. His consistent performances in GP2, including multiple wins and podiums, positioned him for entry into Formula One.
Nasr’s transition to Formula One came after serving as a test driver for Williams in 2014. He secured a full-time race seat with Sauber in 2015, marking his debut in the premier class of motorsport. Although his Formula One career was brief, ending in 2016, Nasr successfully transitioned to endurance racing, where he has achieved significant success.
Luiz Felipe de Oliveira Nasr Career
Early Career (2008–2014)
Nasr began his open-wheel racing career in 2008 with Formula BMW Americas, quickly moving to Formula BMW Europe in 2009, where he dominated the series with six wins and five pole positions to claim the championship. He progressed to British Formula 3 in 2010, finishing fifth, and then won the British Formula 3 Championship in 2011 with Carlin Motorsport.
From 2012 to 2014, Nasr competed in the GP2 Series, racing for DAMS and Carlin. He achieved multiple podium finishes and race wins, including victories at the Red Bull Ring, Silverstone, and Spa-Francorchamps. His strong performances culminated in a third-place finish in the 2014 GP2 championship, establishing him as a leading prospect for Formula One.
Formula One Breakthrough (2014–2016)
Nasr joined Williams as a reserve driver in 2014, participating in several tests and practice sessions. Later that year, he was signed by Sauber as a full-time driver for the 2015 Formula One season. Nasr made an impressive debut, finishing fifth at the Australian Grand Prix, the highest placing for a Brazilian driver in their first Grand Prix.
During his two seasons with Sauber, Nasr scored points consistently, finishing 13th in the 2015 drivers’ championship. In 2016, he scored points at the Brazilian Grand Prix, helping Sauber secure a higher position in the constructors’ standings. Despite these efforts, Nasr lost his seat for the 2017 season due to team changes and was unable to secure another Formula One drive.
Endurance Racing and IMSA Success (2018–Present)
Nasr transitioned to endurance racing in 2018, joining Whelen Engineering Racing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. Partnering with Eric Curran, he won the championship in his debut year, also securing the North American Endurance Cup. Nasr continued to excel in IMSA, winning additional titles in 2021 with Pipo Derani and in 2024 with Dane Cameron.
He achieved notable victories at major endurance events, including the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2019 with Action Express Racing and again in 2025 with Team Penske. Nasr also won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2024 and 2025 driving for Porsche. In 2022, Nasr became a Porsche factory driver and joined Porsche Penske Motorsport, competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA series, where he has continued to secure podiums and victories.
Driving Style and Strengths
Nasr is known for his consistency and strategic racecraft, excelling on endurance circuits that demand precision and teamwork. His ability to manage tire wear and fuel strategy has been crucial in securing wins in long-distance races. Nasr’s partnerships with experienced co-drivers and strong collaboration with his crew chiefs have enhanced his performance in multi-driver events.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key milestones in Nasr’s career include his debut Formula One points finish in Australia, multiple IMSA SportsCar Championship titles, and victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. His endurance racing success has established him as a top competitor in sports car racing globally.
Luiz Felipe de Oliveira Nasr Career Wins
Nasr’s career features numerous wins across various racing disciplines. He has secured multiple GP2 victories, including wins at Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone. In endurance racing, Nasr has claimed three IMSA SportsCar Championship titles and won prestigious endurance events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
GP2 Series Highlights
During his GP2 career, Nasr achieved four race wins and several podium finishes. His first GP2 victory came in the 2014 sprint race at Barcelona. He finished third in the 2014 championship, narrowly missing out on second place. His consistent performances in GP2 were instrumental in his promotion to Formula One.
IMSA SportsCar Championship Highlights
Nasr has won the IMSA SportsCar Championship three times: in 2018, 2021, and 2024. His first IMSA victory came at Belle Isle in 2018. He has also won the 12 Hours of Sebring twice and the 24 Hours of Daytona twice, showcasing his endurance racing prowess. Nasr’s success with teams like Action Express Racing and Porsche Penske Motorsport highlights his adaptability and skill in sports car racing.
Luiz Felipe de Oliveira Nasr Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Nasr comes from a family with strong motorsport ties. His uncle, Amir Nasr, is a well-known figure in South American Formula Three racing, having supported the careers of many Brazilian drivers. This family connection provided Nasr with valuable guidance and opportunities in his early racing career.
Personal Life
Nasr is of Lebanese descent through his grandfather, who emigrated to Brazil in the 1960s. He enjoys sports, fishing, and mechanics, and is a fan of the Star Wars and James Bond film series. Nasr admires Ayrton Senna and favors the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. He is multilingual, fluent in Portuguese, English, and Italian.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Nasr continues to compete with Porsche Penske Motorsport in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, partnering with Nick Tandy. He aims to defend his IMSA title and build on his recent successes, including victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. Nasr’s experience and skill position him as a strong contender for continued championship success in endurance racing.