Le Mans 2024: Ferrari claims historic back-to-back victory

For the second consecutive year, Ferrari has clinched victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Ferrari – AF Corse team’s 499P No. 50 crossed the finish line first, much to the delight of the record 329,000 spectators gathered at Circuit de La Sarthe.

Dream come true

Nicklas Nielsen, alongside his teammates Miguel Molina and Antonio Fuoco, brought the car home, securing what is now the Prancing Horse's 11th overall victory at the most famous endurance race. Nielsen described the win as a "dream come true," especially after overcoming a challenging race that included a problematic door in the closing stages. “The victory seemed very difficult for part of the race, even at the end, when we had a problem with the door. But then everything went well. I’m speechless,” he remarked.

Last year's winner

The number 51 car, piloted by Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi, also put up a stellar performance, finishing third. This duo of podium finishes underlines Ferrari's dominance at Le Mans, with previous victories dating back to 1949 and a consecutive winning stretch from 1960 to 1965.

Antonio Fuoco highlighted the perfection of their execution throughout the weekend. “We were perfect all weekend, so I think we deserve this victory. It’s been a long wait since last year, so we can enjoy it thoroughly,” Fuoco shared, emphasizing the spirit and the motivation derived from the fans’ passion, which was particularly palpable even during the night's rainy conditions.

An unfortunate retirement

The race, also the fourth round of the FIA WEC 2024 season, was not without its drama. The 499P No. 83, which had been a front runner, had to retire after 248 laps. Despite this setback, Ferrari's strategic prowess shone through, with varied strategies and tire choices playing a crucial role, especially during the nearly seven hours of Safety Car periods caused by rain.

Le Mans and Monaco

This victory also marks a historic moment as Ferrari became the first manufacturer to win at both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Formula 1 GP in the same year since 1934. The twin victories showcase Ferrari's engineering excellence and strategic brilliance across different forms of motorsport.

Great team effort

Team cohesion and resilience were repeatedly emphasized by Ferrari's leaders. Antonello Coletta, Global Head of Endurance and Corse Clienti, praised the team's effort: "Returning to Le Mans and winning again, achieving the Prancing Horse’s eleventh overall victory in its history, is something extraordinary—the result of tremendous team effort that proves last year’s success was no fluke."

As Ferrari celebrates this monumental achievement, the focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum in the championship standings, where they are currently second in the Manufacturers' standings and looking forward to the rest of the season with renewed vigor and confidence.

Le Mans 2024 Ferrari results

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