24h Le Mans
With back to back wins in 2023 and 2024, Ferrari solidified its comeback at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Between the challenges caused by changing weather conditions, a daring race strategy and an exhilarating rivalry with Toyota, the Italian team did not disappoint at the 92nd running of the race.
The 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans was constantly threatened with rain, adding a healthy dose of difficulty and requiring drivers to take additional risks. Miguel Molina, driver of the winning #50 Ferrari 499P, especially remembers his nighttime stint: I was stuck behind the safety car for four hours. That was the toughest stint for me in those conditions in the middle of the night. You have to stay awake and not make any mistakes. I tried to keep busy talking with my engineers to avoid falling asleep. The rain is often a factor at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In such conditions and moments of uncertainty, clear communication with engineers and driver experience level are crucial.
Like in 2023 when a 12-volt battery almost derailed the Italian carmaker's race, the #50 Ferrari's last stint was a nail-biter. Nicklas Nielsen, at the wheel heading to the chequered flag, describes the typical pressure: To win this race without some level of suspense would be like winning it without gusto. Plus, the victory wouldn't feel the same. Despite the ups and downs, we are happy to have gleaned a second consecutive win in those types of conditions. Strategically, we took risks and nothing should have happened in the last lap. Like the other teams, we didn't execute a flawless race, but from the start we showed we could win. And I realised my dream of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
A starting problem in 2023 and a risk of power failure in 2024…the Ferrari 499P seems to favour dramatic victories, but these scenarios also reflect the team's ability to keep its cool under pressure.
For Antonello Coletta, head of Ferrari's endurance racing programme, the two wins are resounding proof of the 499P's competitiveness: We returned in 2023 with the dream of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We succeeded and doubled down in 2024. That is tremendously satisfying because it was with the same car. It is a demonstration of our competitive level, especially with nine cars in the same final lap. It is no exaggeration to say the current level of endurance is very high. For the drivers, each stint is its own race.
The 2024 running also offered moments of levity. Antonio Fuoco shares an amusing anecdote about his rivalry with Kamui Kobayashi, driver of the #7 Toyota GR010 Hybrid: I think Kamui is one of the funniest drivers in the Hypercar category because he's always telling jokes. During the race, as we were in full battle mode in the Mulsanne and Indianapolis corners, he gave me a signal. All I can say is that it was no salut (laughs, Ed.). It was hilarious and we even talked about it on the podium.
Ferrari AF Corse has no intention of stopping now. The goal for 2025 is clear: to earn a third Le Mans victory and win the FIA WEC Manufacturers title (after taking second and third places in 2023 et 2024).
