Ferrari’s 499P has gone undefeated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans since making its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s top-tier three years ago. In what is widely regarded as the toughest Hypercar field to-date, can the Prancing Horse triumph again next weekend (10-14 June)?
In their first two seasons of competition, the factory-entered Italian prototypes prevailed only at La Sarthe – the #51 in the race’s centenary edition in 2023 and the sister #50 car 12 months later, demonstrating a clear affinity for the 13.626km-long track and its myriad challenges.
“Our 499P has always shown it can adapt well to the Le Mans circuit,” comments Nicklas Nielsen, winner in 2024. “That’s an important aspect for a driver, because feeling confidence in your car and your team gives you an extra boost and is a fundamental factor in this race.”
Last June, the independent #83 AF Corse crew completed the set by ascending the top step of the podium in the legendary twice-round-the-clock contest – the 499P’s fourth consecutive success of a dominant campaign that saw Ferrari secure the coveted Manufacturers’ spoils and lock out the top three positions in the Drivers’ standings.
The illustrious Maranello-based marque has got off to a strong start in 2026, too. While there have been no victories thus far, Ferrari has accumulated silverware in each of the opening two rounds – with the #51 car of Antonio Giovinazzi, James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi pushing race-winner Toyota all the way on home soil in the curtain-raising outing at Imola, and the #50 trio of Nielsen, Antonio Fuoco and Miguel Molina rounding out the rostrum at Spa-Francorchamps.
Since first conquering Le Mans back in 1949 with a 166 MM piloted by Luigi Chinetti and Lord Selsdon, Ferrari has triumphed outright on 11 further occasions – including a stellar run of six straight wins from 1960 to 1965, preceding its famous rivalry with Ford that went on to inspire a Hollywood blockbuster.
Only Porsche and Audi boast more overall victories, and ‘Il Cavallino Rampante’ will draw level with the latter if it extends its unbeaten run this month. Given the countless potential pitfalls in such a long and arduous race, that would be no mean feat – ‘managing the adrenaline over 24 hours is very complex’, notes Giovinazzi – but it is also very clearly the goal.
“Le Mans is something unique,” acknowledges Molina – like stablemates Calado, Fuoco, Nielsen and Pier Guidi, a podium-finisher in the event in-class before clinching the main prize. “At any moment, anything can happen, meaning you have to remain fully focused throughout and avoid mistakes. The 2025 race was incredible; from the cockpit, it was one of the fastest in recent times and felt almost like a 24-hour sprint.”
Another such ‘sprint’ is assuredly in prospect next weekend. Will Ferrari defeat high-calibre rivals Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac Genesis, Peugeot and Toyota to come out on top once more? Tune into FIAWEC+ to find out! Every session of race week – from Free Practice through Qualifying and Hyperpole to the full 24-hour race – will be streamed live and on-demand, ad-free, so you never have to choose between watching and waiting.
With live on-board cameras, Live Timing Pro, real-time data and full race replays, FIAWEC+ brings you closer to Le Mans than any broadcast can, putting viewers at the heart of every strategy call, every overtake and every moment that shapes the result – keeping you up-to-speed from lights-out right the way through to the chequered flag.
