In an exciting edition of the legendary endurance event, Ferrari has made history by claiming victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, on its return to the major category of the race called Hypercars, and which in 2023 celebrated its centenary. With the hybrid prototype Ferrari 499Pthe Italian team has once again shown its dominance in the world of racing.
The winning vehicle, number 51, was masterfully driven by the Italian drivers Alessandro Pier Guidi and Antonio Giovinazzi (ex F1) that together with the talented American James Calado. Together, they formed a formidable team that claimed Ferrari’s tenth victory at Le Mans, building on previous victories at 1949, 1954, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1965.
First lap of the 2023 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Ferraris in the lead.
The battle for victory was close and exciting until the last moment, especially against the Toyota GR010 HYBRID number 8, piloted by the Swiss Sebastien Buemithe New Zealander Brendon Harley and the japanese Ryo Hirakawa. However, Hirakawa made a crucial mistake on his last turn, losing control of his car and jeopardizing the chance to reach the finish, despite everything they achieved a comfortable second place that keeps them in the lead of the 2023 championship (WEC )
The podium of this edition was completed by the British Alex Lynn and Richard Westbrook and the New Zealander Earl Bamberwho demonstrated an excellent performance at the wheel of the Official Cadillac V-Series R.
Ferrari achieved its tenth success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The race was full of emotion and challenges, highlighting the presence of rain in the first part, which added an additional factor of difficulty for the competitors. However, the Ferrari drivers demonstrated their skill and adaptability in the face of changing weather conditions.
This edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be remembered as one of the most fought over in the senior category, where the hypercar and the LMDh. A total of 16 vehicles participated in the class, adding even more excitement and competitiveness to the legendary race.
At the end of the 2023 season, Chevrolet withdraws from GTAM as it will no longer be able to officially participate as a factory team in that “Amateur” category.
Undoubtedly, Ferrari’s victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans marks a milestone in the history of this legendary race. After more than 50 years of absence from the senior category, the Italian brand has once again demonstrated its dominance and excellence in the world of endurance racing. With an impressive hybrid prototype and a talented team of drivers, Ferrari has returned to the top of Le Mans, reaffirming its status as a legend in world motorsport.
Ferrari’s victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
| YEAR | PILOT 1 | PILOT 2 | PILOT 3 | MODEL |
| 1949 | Luigi Chinetti (ITA) | Lord Seldson (ENG) | – | Ferrari 166M |
| 1954 | Jose Froilan Gonzalez (ARG) | Maurice Trintignant (FRA) | – | Ferrari 375 |
| 1958 | Olivier Gendebien (BEL) | Phil Hill (USA) | – | Ferrari 250TR |
| 1960 | Olivier Gendebien (BEL) | Paul Frere (BEL) | – | Ferrari TR60 |
| 1961 | Olivier Gendebien (BEL) | Phil Hill (USA) | – | Ferrari TR61 |
| 1962 | Olivier Gendebien (BEL) | Phil Hill (USA) | – | Ferrari 330TRI/LM |
| 1963 | Ludovico Scarfiotti (ITA) | Lorenzo Bandini (ITA) | – | Ferrari 250P |
| 1964 | Jean Guichet (FRA) | Nino Vaccarella (ITA) | – | Ferrari 275P |
| 1965 | Jochen Rindt (AUT) | Masten Gregory (USA) | – | Ferrari 250LM |
| 2023 | Alessandro Pier Guidi (ITA) | Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA) | James Calado (USA) | Ferrari 499P |
