Stories of Le Mans in Florida: 24 Hours of Daytona

Ferrari has unveiled the livery of the 499P Hypercars that will run for the Ferrari AF Corse works team in the  2025 FIA World Endurance Championship, including the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans (11-15 June).

While erring on the side of continuity, the Ferrari 499P&rsquo;s new livery renders the Italian Hypercar instantly recognisable. And yet, closer examination reveals a modernised paint scheme. The 499P&rsquo;s body is still predominantly red, but is a deeper hue (inspired by models from bygone eras), and contrasts smartly with the repositioned touches of Giallo Modena yellow in a nod to the success of the <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/24-hours-of-le-mans-the-unflinching-ferrari-312-pb-prototype-56986" target="_blank">312 PB</a>, the Ferrari prototype that competed until 1973. The cockpit retains the yellow diagonal stripe seen on the 499P since 2023, but this feature now extends across the side pods instead of the lower side. This change is designed to maximise visibility and offer grandstand spectators a striking visual experience.

For the Qatar 1812km, the opening round of the 2025 season, the #50 and #51 Ferrari 499Ps will line up with the technical evolution package launched in S&atilde;o Paulo (Brazil) last term. The mid-season updates included a revised brake cooling duct system and the addition of flicks under the front headlamps to boost the car&rsquo;s aerodynamics.

<h2>Technical improvements to strengthen the title challenge</h2>

Ferrari&rsquo;s winter workload aimed at optimising the overall technical package in the authorised track testing sessions and in the simulator. In a statement, the team also evoked &ldquo;meticulous refinements within regulatory limits&rdquo; to tweak every aspect where performance lagged behind that of their rivals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The driver line-ups remain unchanged for 2025. The #50 car will once again be entrusted to Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/ferrari-af-corse-a-breathtaking-triumph-at-the-24-hours-of-le-mans-59179" target="_blank">winners of the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans</a>. Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado and&nbsp;Antonio Giovinazzi will share the wheel of the #51 sister car.

With a third place in the Manufacturers&rsquo; world championship in 2024, after finishing as runners-up in 2023, Ferrari&rsquo;s aim for 2025 is to clock up precious points at every round and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/ferrari-af-corse-aware-of-having-more-steps-to-take-to-compete-for-titles-59164" target="_blank">fight for the manufacturers&#39; and drivers&#39; titles</a>. Victory would offer the Prancing Horse its first world endurance crown since it triumphed in the World Championship for Makes in 1972.

Ferrari AF Corse introduces minor changes to refresh 499P Hypercar livery

"Le Mans isn’t won in a single moment. It’s a series of moments, each as crucial as the next.." said Tom Kristensen, a record nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This perspective perfectly reflects the philosophy behind Automobilist’s ongoing partnership with 24H Le Mans—continuing a successful collaboration that celebrates the race’s most iconic moments through art.

In 2023, when Le Mans celebrated its historic 100th anniversary, Automobilist marked the occasion with a special Centenary Collection, capturing a century of endurance racing excellence.&nbsp;

 
Building on the success of 2023 and 2024, Automobilist proudly renews its partnership with 24H Le Mans, reaffirming a shared passion for preserving the legacy of endurance racing. From the fierce rivalry between Ferrari and Porsche to the thunderous dominance of the Ford GT40 on the Mulsanne Straight, Le Mans has created moments that resonate far beyond the track. Through this renewed collaboration, Automobilist aims to continue immortalizing these moments, turning fleeting seconds of triumph into lasting works of art. 
Since the inception of the partnership, Automobilist has stood out by crafting exquisitely detailed posters and collector&rsquo;s editions that encapsulate the essence of Le Mans. Each piece merges historical authenticity with artistic excellence, ensuring that every creation pays homage to the spirit of endurance racing. 
 
According to&nbsp;Brent Costner, CEO of Automobilist,&nbsp;&quot;Le Mans is more than just a race&mdash;it is a testament to endurance, resilience, and the human spirit&rsquo;s unwavering drive to achieve the extraordinary. Our partnership with 24H Le Mans allows us to continue our mission of immortalizing these defining moments in motorsport history through art.&quot; 
 
The renewed partnership promises a series of new releases that will evoke the raw emotion and timeless allure of Le Mans. Whether commemorating legendary duels or modern feats of engineering, Automobilist will continue to create exclusive artworks that capture the soul of the race. 
 
St&eacute;phane Andriolo, Customer and Events Director of Automobile Club de l&#39;Ouest says:&nbsp;&ldquo;We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Automobilist. This brand is a perfect reflection of our prestigious race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In this golden age of endurance racing, which welcomes the world&#39;s leading brands, we are keen to offer our fans unique collector&#39;s items. See you next June for a new edition that promises to be out of the ordinary.&rdquo; 
 
For those who admire endurance racing and cherish the stories forged on the track, Automobilist&rsquo;s renewed partnership with 24H Le Mans is an invitation to relive and celebrate the moments that have shaped the world of motorsport. 
For more information about Automobilist&rsquo;s 24H Le Mans collection, visit: <a href="http://automobilist.com/en-eu/collections/24h-le-mans-posters">automobilist.com/en-eu/collections/24h-le-mans-posters</a>

Automobilist and 24 Hours of Le Mans Renew Partnership to Celebrate Racing Excellence

This season, the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans welcome a new partnership to the LMGT3 field: Iron Lynx and Mercedes-AMG. The Italian outfit has joined forces with the German manufacturer to bring two new Mercedes-AMG LMGT3s to the grid. An ambitious alliance that marks Mercedes’ return to Le Mans after more than a quarter of a century.

A regular name on GT and LMP2 rosters, Iron Lynx has opted to take up <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/mercedes-amg-set-to-join-lmgt3-class-at-24-hours-of-le-mans-and-in-fia-wec-59151" target="_blank">a new challenge in 2025 with&nbsp;Mercedes-AMG</a>. After running Ferraris from 2020 to 2022, followed by a Porsche 911 RSR-19 in 2023 and a Lamborghini Hurac&aacute;n LMGT3 Evo2 in 2024, the Italian formation has turned to Mercedes for this LMGT3 programme with the firm aim of showing its credentials and winning races.

Andrea Piccini, Iron Lynx Team Principal and CEO: &quot;We are very satisfied with how the driver lineup has shaped up, and for the positive collaboration that we have established so far with Mercedes-AMG as we prepare for this new programme. So far we have really enjoyed working on the process and preparations.&quot;

<h2>Seasoned professionals and burgeoning talent</h2>

Iron Lynx has brought together a mix of experienced drivers and talented youngsters for the project. The #60 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 will see Claudio Schiavoni and Matteo Cressoni continue together for a fifth FIA WEC season. They will be joined by the former Lamborghini Hypercar driver Matteo Cairoli (eight 24 Hours of Le Mans starts). 
In sister car #61, Christian Ried will make a full-time return to the championship after taking a back seat in 2024. The record holder for the number of FIA WEC starts will partner Mercedes-AMG works driver and GT stalwart Maxime Martin. Eighteen-year-old Dutch hope Lin Hodenius completes the line-up.

Regarding these strategic choices, Piccini said: &ldquo;On the one hand, we will continue with the experienced combination of Claudio and Matteo, and we will add Matteo Cairoli, a really quick driver with a wealth of FIA WEC experience. On the other hand, we will bring back the driver with the most starts in the series, Christian Ried, pairing him with a young racer entering his rookie season, Lin Hodenius. He was extremely impressive straight away in testing and we selected him among all potential candidates despite his young age and limited endurance racing experience. Joining him and Ried, Maxime Martin will provide incredible value. In addition to being a long-time friend, he is one of the world&rsquo;s strongest competitors in endurance racing.&rdquo;

<h2>A historic return to Le Mans for Mercedes-AMG</h2>

This programme marks the eagerly awaited return of Mercedes-AMG to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With their last official entry dating back to 1999, the German manufacturer hopes to make a stunning impact with the Mercedes-AMG GT3. 
The Iron Lynx cars will sport special liveries that pay tribute to the historic colours of the team and Mercedes-AMG.

Iron Lynx and Mercedes-AMG hold lofty ambitions for the FIA WEC 2025 season and especially its showcase event, the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans (11&ndash;15 June).

Iron Lynx teams up with Mercedes-AMG for LMGT3 challenge

Ford’s recent announcement of a return to the top class of endurance racing in 2027 has sparked memories of the titanic clashes with Ferrari in the mid-sixties, culminating in the epic showdown at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. With the 2025 Academy Awards ceremony approaching fast, what better time to watch once again James Mangold’s 2019 Oscar-winning movie that captured the spirit of the time.

Ford v Ferrari &ndash; released as Le Mans 66 in many countries &ndash; told the tale of the bitter rivalry between the two major carmakers at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The movie recounts the adventure of a team of audacious American engineers, led by the visionary Carroll Shelby, and talented British driver Ken Miles who were commissioned by Henry Ford II to design a racecar capable of overthrowing the all-conquering Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. 
Director James Mangold was attracted by the double challenge presented by the project: shooting realistic race sequences that transport the viewer into the cockpits of the cars at the heart of the action, while telling the fascinating story of the tumultuous friendship that grew between Shelby and Miles.

The movie was nominated for four Oscars in 2020, including Best Motion Picture, winning two: Best Achievement in Film Editing and Best Achievement in Sound Editing. If you didn&rsquo;t see it at your local cinema, check out your favourite streaming platforms and see what you&nbsp; missed!

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	<h2>A captivating true story</h2>
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Ford v Ferrari goes beyond the sporting rivalry to focus on the industrial battle involving the two manufacturers. In the 1960s, Henry Ford II challenged his employees to come up with a solution to ward off the Ford Motor Company&rsquo;s financial ills. Lee Iacocca suggested motor racing as a means of boosting the business&rsquo;s fortunes and proposed that Ford buy out Ferrari, who were going through similarly tough times. Talks were arranged in Italy but were scuppered by Enzo Ferrari&rsquo;s insulting behaviour towards Ford. Finally, Ferrari was taken over by Fiat. Taking the affront personally, Henry Ford II vowed revenge..

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	<h2>Spectacular racing&nbsp;scenes</h2>
	</li>
</ul>

Mangold skilfully achieved the feat of plunging the viewer into the heart of the action. When watching the breathtaking race scenes, you feel every acceleration, every step on the brake and every overtaking manoeuvre as if you were in the cockpit! A pure thrill for wannabe racing drivers!

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	<h2>A charismatic pair of lead&nbsp;actors</h2>
	</li>
</ul>

However, Ford v Ferrari&nbsp;is not one of those action-packed sports movies where the actors are restricted to playing bit parts. Christian Bale (Ken Miles) and Matt Damon (Carroll Shelby) delivered memorable performances with Bale nominated for a Golden Globe for his role. Their alchemy and authenticity introduced strong emotional depth to the story of sporting prowess and endeavour. &ldquo;Ford v Ferrari&nbsp;is not the life story of Carroll Shelby or Ken Miles. It&rsquo;s more about a turning point in their lives that shaped who they were,&rdquo; Mangold explained when the film was released.&nbsp;

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	<h2>A faithful interpretation of the spirit of Le Mans</h2>
	</li>
</ul>

The movie brilliantly recreates the paddock atmosphere of the 1960s, the buzz surrounding the race and the pressure that weighs on the drivers and engineers. A life-size replica of the grandstands adjacent to the start/finish line was built for the shoot at Agua Dulce Airpark, a private airport in Santa Clarita, California, along with three additional sections of grandstand, VIP lounges, the Ford and Ferrari pits and the international press room. The design was based on over 300 archive photos acquired from various sources including the Automobile Club de l&rsquo;Ouest.

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	<h2>Renewed rivalry</h2>
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More than half a century later, the historic battle between Ford and Ferrari lives on in the LMGT3 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Nowadays, the Ferrari 296 LMGT3 fielded by the Vista AF Corse team takes on the <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/what-to-expect-from-the-ford-mustang-lmgt3-in-2025-59302" target="_blank">Ford Mustang LMGT3</a> running in Proton Competition colours. Moreover, <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/ford-in-the-top-class-at-the-24-hours-of-le-mans-in-2027-59293" target="_blank">Ford recently announced plans to enter Hypercar</a>, the premier class of endurance, from 2027. The American automotive giant will once again cross paths with the Prancing Horse whose 499P has won the last two editions of the French classic, plus an array of top-notch contenders including Toyota, Porsche, Aston Martin, Peugeot and Cadillac.&nbsp;

In the meantime, delve into the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/le-mans-66-what-really-happened-55729" target="_blank">find out what really happened in 1966</a>.

Why you should watch the Oscar-winning "Ford v Ferrari" again!

BMW works driver in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, Joey Hand opened his 2011 season successfully by winning the 24 Hours of Daytona along with Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas and Graham Rahal, driving a BMW-Riley prototype. The race also marked by a great result for the driver/actor Patrick Dempsey in the GT class.

Among the former winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the finish were Mark Blundell and Martin Brundle (4th) and Christophe Bouchut (8th) and Hurley Haywood (17th). Anthony Davidson winner with the first race of the history of ILMC in September 2010 at Silverstone, Peugeot driver Nicolas Minassian finished 6th at the wheel of the Ford-Riley Krohn Racing, which he shared with Ricardo Zonta, Tracy Krohn and Nic J&ouml;nsson.

Porsche were victorious in the GT class, with Wolf Henzler, Andy Lally and Spencer Pumpelly, Brendan Gaughan and Steven Bertheau, the 911 TRG Motorsports (12th overall). After completing his first 24 Hours of Le Mans two years ago on Ferrari F430 GT, Patrick Dempsey had a superb podium finish at Daytona, finishing third in GT with team-mates Joe Foster, Charles Epsenlaub and Tom Long, driving a Mazda RX8. 
&nbsp;

24H LE MANS

24 Hours of Daytona: Stories of Le Mans in Florida.

Related News

Ferrari AF Corse introduces minor changes to refresh 499P Hypercar livery

Automobilist and 24 Hours of Le Mans Renew Partnership to Celebrate Racing Excellence

Iron Lynx teams up with Mercedes-AMG for LMGT3 challenge

Why you should watch the Oscar-winning "Ford v Ferrari" again!

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