Ferrari’s Historic Victory
The 24 Hours of Le Mans always delivers thrilling races, but the 92nd edition in 2024 surpassed all expectations. Ferrari AF Corse emerged victorious once again, clinching first place with the #50 Hypercar driven by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen. Despite numerous challenges, they managed to outpace the Toyota #7 driven by Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway, and José María López. Additionally, Ferrari secured a third-place finish with the #51 car, driven by Alessandro Pier Guidi, Antonio Giovinazzi, and James Calado, who had won the previous year.
The Rollercoaster Race
This year’s Le Mans was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring dramatic incidents and relentless battles. The race saw mixed conditions, prolonged neutralizations, and significant accidents, making it one of the most unpredictable endurance races in history. The Ferrari #50 team faced a technical issue with the right door that remained open after the penultimate pit stop. However, a well-timed pit stop to fix this issue, combined with the strategic use of WET tires, allowed them to maintain their lead and secure victory.
Toyota’s Strong Performance
In second place, the Toyota GR010 #7 team overcame a challenging qualification, starting from the 23rd position due to Kobayashi’s error, but demonstrated impressive race pace and strategic acumen. The Ferrari #50’s victory was sealed when López’s pursuit ended with a spin at the Dunlop chicane in the final hour, costing him 14 seconds. Despite this setback, Toyota’s performance throughout the race was commendable, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess.
Ferrari #51’s Podium Finish
The Ferrari #51 team faced a tumultuous race but managed to finish on the podium. Alessandro Pier Guidi’s defensive driving against Sebastièn Buemi and Laurens Vanthoor was commendable, despite the difficulty in finding grip during the final stint. Vanthoor’s Porsche 963 #6, which had been dominant throughout the 2024 World Endurance Championship, finished off the podium for the first time. This third-place finish for Ferrari #51 adds to the team’s impressive record at Le Mans, demonstrating their consistent performance and ability to overcome challenges.
LMP2 Class Highlights
In the LMP2 class, United Autosport’s #22, driven by Oliver Jarvis, Bijoi Garg, and Nolan Siegel, triumphed. They were followed by the 2023 winners, InterEuropol Competition’s #34, and IDEC Sport’s #28, driven by Paul Lafargue, Job Van Uitert, and Reschad De Gerus. The LMP2 class race was fiercely competitive, with teams showcasing strategic pit stops and exceptional driving skills. United Autosport’s victory was a testament to their meticulous preparation and execution throughout the 24 hours.
LMGT3 Class Drama
The LMGT3 class was dominated by the Porsche 911 GT3R #91 from Team Manthey EMA, driven by Yasser Shahin, Morris Schuring, and Richard Lietz. They took the lead from the BMW #31 of Team WRT, which had won the 6 Hours of Imola. Valentino Rossi’s BMW M4 GT3 #46, involved in an incident caused by Ahmad Al Harthy, could not finish the race, allowing Porsche Manthey to secure the top spot. The drama in the LMGT3 class highlighted the intense competition and the high stakes of endurance racing, with teams pushing their limits to achieve victory.
Key Moments and Strategies
The 24 Hours of Le Mans 2024 was marked by several key moments and strategic decisions that defined the race. From the onset, weather conditions played a crucial role, with teams having to adapt their tire strategies to the changing conditions. Ferrari’s decision to switch to WET tires at a critical moment allowed them to maintain their lead, while Toyota’s strategic pit stops kept them in contention despite starting from a lower grid position.
In the latter stages of the race, the battle for the lead intensified, with Ferrari #50 and Toyota #7 exchanging positions multiple times. The technical issue with Ferrari #50’s door added to the drama, but a timely pit stop ensured they could continue without losing significant time. Toyota’s challenge ended with López’s spin, but their performance remained strong throughout the race.
End of the Race
The 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans concluded with Ferrari’s triumphant back-to-back victories, cementing their legendary status in endurance racing. This year’s race showcased the resilience, skill, and strategic brilliance of the teams, with Ferrari, Toyota, and Porsche delivering memorable performances. As the motorsport world looks forward to the 2025 edition, the next challenge awaits in Brazil with the 6 Hours of São Paulo. Stay tuned for more exhilarating racing action as teams prepare to push their limits once again.
Race Result
