Ferrari's Dominance in Endurance Racing: A Year of Triumphs and Lessons

Dec 23, 2024 at 8:19 AM

2024 marked a year of remarkable achievements for Ferrari in the world of endurance racing. The marque secured consecutive victories at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Fuoco, Molina, and Nielsen leading the charge. Additionally, teammates Pier Guidi, Calado, and Giovinazzi clinched third place on the podium, enhancing the team's reputation. The season kicked off with a historic win in the GTD Pro class at Daytona, setting the tone for an impressive campaign that included multiple wins in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Despite challenges and setbacks, Ferrari demonstrated resilience and excellence, solidifying its position as a dominant force in motorsport.

Ferrari's Stellar Performance at Le Mans

The highlight of Ferrari's 2024 season was undoubtedly its back-to-back victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This triumph not only underscored the team's prowess but also showcased its ability to perform under immense pressure. The success was achieved without any vehicle updates, emphasizing the reliability and performance of the 499P. Moreover, the third-place finish by another Ferrari team added a celebratory note to the event, highlighting the brand's depth and versatility.

Winning Le Mans for the second consecutive year was no small feat. The race itself was fiercely competitive, with the top four teams crossing the finish line within 38 seconds of each other. The crew of car number 50, driven by Fuoco, Molina, and Nielsen, navigated through grueling conditions to secure the win. Meanwhile, the number 51 car, piloted by Pier Guidi, Calado, and Giovinazzi, also shone brightly by securing third place. The combined effort of six drivers on the most famous endurance racing podium was a testament to Ferrari's enduring legacy in motorsport.

Growth and Challenges in the WEC

Beyond Le Mans, Ferrari faced both triumphs and trials in the World Endurance Championship. The 499P performed exceptionally well at various circuits, including Imola, Spa, Austin, and Bahrain. However, the team also encountered moments of frustration, such as the near-miss at Spa and the unfortunate incident at Imola. Despite these setbacks, Ferrari remained competitive, culminating in victories at Fuji and Bahrain.

The introduction of the 296 LMGT3 in the WEC brought new opportunities and challenges. The car showed promise from the outset, winning its last two races of the season. The performances of Vista AF Corse's crews, featuring drivers aligned with the Platinum, Silver, and Bronze license categories, were particularly commendable. The season's highlight was undoubtedly the 296 GT3's victory at Daytona, marking a significant milestone after a decade-long hiatus. While there were regrets, such as the missed opportunity at Spa, the overall season was one of growth and learning. Ferrari's official drivers played pivotal roles throughout, and the team remains committed to building on these successes in the future.