Antoine Le Pilote pays tribute to the first Ligier Formula 1 car: the release of Volume No. 19 dedicated to the Ligier JS5.
The comic-book hero Antoine Le Pilote, created by Yvon Amiel, returns in a colorful 19th volume celebrating a legend: the Ligier JS5, the first Formula 1 car built by the French Ligier team and entered in 1976 with Jacques Laffite behind the wheel.
This new adventure takes readers to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where the iconic JS5 roars back to life under the lights of the Strip.
The Ligier JS5: the beginning of a great adventure
The Ligier JS5, the first Formula 1 car designed by Guy Ligier and his team, marked the brand's entry into the top tier of motorsport in 1976. Driven by Jacques Laffite, it stood out with its Matra V12 engine, its striking early-season airbox, and its bold aerodynamic lines.
Behind this distinctive design lay a remarkably competitive car—a symbol of the creativity and technical rigor of the “Bleus” team—that immediately earned its place among the best on the grid.
In 1976, the JS5 reached the podium three times: third at the Belgian Grand Prix, second in Austria, and third in Italy after taking pole position at Monza. A spectacular debut that instantly established Ligier among the leading Formula 1 teams and paved the way for 21 seasons of adventures in the sport.
Michel Beaujon, designer of the JS5 and former Chief Engineer at Ligier, recalls: “The JS5 was a gamble. We were a small French team facing the giants of Formula 1, but with tremendous determination to do things right. That car embodied both audacity and French elegance. Seeing it celebrated again today, almost fifty years later, moves me deeply.”
A meeting between generations
In this new album, Antoine Le Pilote takes to the track alongside Isack Hadjar, rising French Formula 1 talent and Racing Bulls driver for 2025, who also wrote the foreword.
Together they lead a team of young racers against the legends of motorsport—Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Lewis Hamilton—in an imaginary race where the Ligier JS5 surges ahead in front of the iconic Bellagio Hotel.
A fun nod to transmission, dialogue between generations, and the shared passion that unites all motorsport enthusiasts.
An album by Yvon Amiel, published by Éditions Giletta
While pursuing his career as a dentist in Nice, Yvon Amiel began publishing humorous drawings in Auto Hebdo in the early 1980s.
His drivers with their oversized helmets quickly became a trademark in the paddock, inspiring a popular line of T-shirts and collectible figurines, including several dedicated to Ayrton Senna.
In 2009, he created Antoine Le Pilote, a charming character designed to share the excitement of racing with younger generations while delighting long-time fans.
Colored by Grégory Ronot, the albums have earned acclaim for their accessible tone and authenticity.
“I watched the first laps of the Ligier JS5 at Circuit Paul Ricard with fascination when I was just a child,” says Yvon Amiel. “All these years later, I'm thrilled to make this car a comic-book heroine and to imagine the most promising French Formula 1 driver, Isack Hadjar, at its wheel! The timeless spirit of Antoine Le Pilote comes fully to life in this new volume.”
Ligier Automotive: heritage and transmission
This collaboration illustrates Ligier Automotive's strong attachment to its history and to French automotive culture. Founded by Guy Ligier and now led by Jacques Nicolet, the company continues to honor its heritage while developing the racing cars of tomorrow.
Jacques Nicolet, President of Ligier Automotive: “The Ligier JS5 embodies Guy Ligier's audacity and the pioneering spirit that still drives our teams today. Seeing it come to life again through Yvon Amiel's artwork is a vibrant tribute to that history—and a wonderful way to share the passion for motorsport with new generations.”
Official presentation at Epoqu'Auto
The comic book Antoine Le Pilote No. 19 – The Ligier JS5 in Las Vegas will be officially presented at Epoqu'Auto, from November 7 to 9, 2025, in Lyon, on the Ligier Automotive stand (Gallery 6, entrance of Hall 6).
For its first official participation in the event, the French constructor will display 11 cars showcasing over fifty years of history—from historic Formula 1 cars (JS9, JS11/15, JS17, JS27, JS33B) to endurance prototypes (JS P2, JS P3), along with GT models and the new JS F326 single-seater, presented for the first time at a show.
Visitors will be able to discover the album and meet Yvon Amiel, who will be present to sign copies and chat with fans, alongside Michel Beaujon and Jacques Nicolet, starting from the Friday evening session on November 7.
For those unable to attend the show, the album will be available at the same time in bookstores and online through major retailers (FNAC, Cultura, Amazon, etc.).
Practical information
Full title: Antoine at the Las Vegas Grand Prix
Author: Yvon Amiel | Colors: Grégory Ronot
Publisher: Éditions Giletta
Launch event: Epoqu'Auto Show – Lyon Eurexpo, November 7–9, 2025
Availability: On the Ligier Automotive stand, in bookstores, and online
For more information about Antoine Le Pilote, CLICK HERE.