Ferrari has secured its place in motorsport history by winning the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours for the second consecutive year in 2024. Following last year’s centenary celebration, this back-to-back victory marks a significant achievement.
In the final held on the 16th (local time), the Ferrari AF Corse team’s 499P, driven by Niklas Nielsen, Miguel Molina, and Antonio Fuoco, completed a total of 311 laps to finish first. Notably, they led the race for 72 laps, proving their prowess at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Additionally, the 51 car, driven by Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi, finished third with just a 36-second gap to the lead, allowing the Ferrari AF Corse team to achieve a double podium.
Despite heavy rainfall overnight causing poor visibility and aquaplaning conditions that necessitated safety car deployments, the Ferrari 499P maintained its competitive edge and once again demonstrated strong performance at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
With this victory, Ferrari has clinched its second consecutive win following the triumph of the 499P #51 vehicle on June 11, 2023. This marks the 11th overall victory at Le Mans 24 Hours, including wins in 1949, 1954, 1958, and from 1960 to 1965. Furthermore, after winning the Formula 1 Monaco GP in May, Ferrari became the first manufacturer to conquer two of the world’s most prestigious races in the same year since 1934.
John Elkann, Chairman of Ferrari, expressed his gratitude in a special address, stating, “The first and third places at Le Mans are evidence of how teamwork can produce amazing results. I would like to thank all the team members, including drivers, engineers, and mechanics, for their courage and perseverance during 24 incredibly challenging hours. I am delighted that all Ferrari hypercar drivers have triumphed at Le Mans and that Ferrari won alongside them this year. Only cohesive and dedicated teams can achieve such historic outcomes,” he remarked.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr