According to their racing record and career achievements, drivers in the FIA World Endurance Championship are categorised by a dedicated FIA committee as follows:
Bronze-rated drivers are not authorised to participate in the headlining Hypercar class, which is reserved for global endurance racing’s elite. This means each team’s drivers must be a mix of Silver, Gold and Platinum-graded.
By contrast, it is mandatory for all LMGT3 crews to include at least one Bronze driver and another that is either Bronze or Silver-rated. Each car must therefore feature a combination of Bronze, Silver and possibly Gold drivers. This ensures a balance of experience while offering less seasoned drivers the opportunity to participate in major competitions.
Hypercar: No Bronze drivers admitted
LMGT3: A crew of two or three drivers including at least one Bronze driver, plus another Bronze driver or a Silver driver
PLATINUM DRIVER
Platinum is the highest category in the FIA driver classification, including the most experienced and highest-performing drivers in the motorsport world. These are often living legends of the sport, with extremely successful international careers. They have excelled in high-level races, including competitions like Formula 1, the 24 Hours of Le Mans or other globally-renowned events.
GOLD DRIVER
A Gold driver is a very high-level driver. These drivers have frequently shone in prestigious competitions such as Formula 1, the 24 Hours of Le Mans or other major series. They are considered world-class athletes, capable of performing at a very high level, even in the most demanding races.
SILVER DRIVER
A Silver driver has significant experience but is still considered to have areas for improvement compared to the world’s best drivers (Gold and Platinum). A Silver driver may have achieved good results in lower-tier series while still lacking consistency or exceptional performance on the international stage. They may also be a young driver starting to climb the ranks in motorsport.
BRONZE DRIVER
A Bronze driver is generally a less experienced driver, often older or who has not yet reached a skill level comparable with that of more experienced drivers. The FIA assigns this category to drivers who do not have such impressive results in major races or who lack significant performance statistics in high-level series. Bronze drivers are often considered beginners or amateurs in a professional setting.
