Ferrari will have its work cut out to pull off another win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year. After claiming the top step on the overall podium with the 499P driven by Alessandro Pier Guidi/James Calado/Antonio Giovinazzi in June, the Italian marque will return in 2024 with the same car, facing off against significantly increased competition. Alpine, Lamborghini, BMW and Isotta Fraschini are set to join Ferrari, Toyota, Porsche, Peugeot, Cadillac and Vanwall for what is shaping up to be the most impressive top class field in the history of the race.
Careful Preparation and Decisive Strategy
While the 499P has proven itself an outstanding and reliable Hypercar, Ferrari will still need to be laser-focused in its preparation. Leading up to and during the race, the constructor's engineers and mechanics must work together to deliver and maintain the car in ideal condition. The drivers for their part will have to maintain their pace during the race and avoid any mistakes that could thwart the mission.
Ferrari aims to repeat this year's success by once again developing a strategy addressing weather conditions, competitors, petrol consumption and pit stop times. At the 24 Hours, the difference between victory and defeat is often decided by race strategy. Each pit stop must be as quick as it is efficient while making the necessary repairs or adjustments to maintain the car's performance.
Managing Pressure: The Winner's Challenge
An additional important element is pressure management. At the 24 Hours, defending winners are expected to be contenders for victory, and both the media and opponents are constant reminders of that expectation. The team will need to remain impervious to any form of pressure, and successfully manage stress and fatigue.
All that being said, Ferrari AF Corse has a lot on its plate, but with careful preparation, a solid team and the right strategy, the Italian carmaker has an excellent chance to win again. Le Mans will always be an unpredictable and demanding playing field, the action often unfolding in dramatic fashion. As six-time winner Jacky Ickx says: "You don't win the race, the race lets you win."
On 12-16 June next year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans will embark on a new chapter in its storied history.