The world’s most prestigious endurance race, the Le Mans 24 Hours, returns this weekend with Ferrari leading the charge for what could be a historic third consecutive win. The 93rd edition of the race will fire off at 1600 local time on Saturday with a familiar face at the starting line: Roger Federer, acting as the official race starter.
Held at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe in France, the race will host 24 elite Hypercars, 17 LMP2 entries, and 24 LMGT3s—watched by a sold-out crowd of 320,000 fans. Ferrari, who ended Toyota’s five-year dominance in 2023 and repeated their success in 2024, are once again favorites to clinch the crown.
Ferrari’s Dream of a Triple Crown
Since returning to Le Mans after a 50-year hiatus in 2023, Ferrari has dominated the endurance scene. This year, their strong start in the FIA World Endurance Championship—with wins in Qatar, Imola, and Belgium—has solidified their status as the team to beat.
Ferrari’s driving trio of Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen will once again lead the charge in their hybrid-powered Hypercar. Fuoco warned, “Compared to last year, everyone is closer to each other. It’s going to be a tough battle.”
Toyota: The Old Rival Returns
Having won Le Mans five times from 2018 to 2022, Toyota is eager to reclaim the title. Dutch driver Nyck De Vries, part of the second-place Toyota squad last year, is out for redemption.
“Finishing second last year felt bitter-sweet. We want to put that right,” said De Vries, who was dropped from F1 by Red Bull’s AlphaTauri in 2023 but has found purpose in endurance racing.
Roger Federer: From Tennis to Track
Adding to the star power is tennis legend Roger Federer, who will wave the green flag to start the race. Federer, a motorsport enthusiast, adds celebrity allure to an already packed motorsport festival weekend.
Other Teams to Watch: Porsche, Aston Martin & Iron Dames
This year’s Hypercar lineup includes Porsche, Cadillac, BMW, Alpine, Aston Martin, and Peugeot, creating one of the most competitive grids in recent memory. Among the fan favorites is the all-women Iron Dames LMGT3 team featuring Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey, and Celia Martin.
Historic Context: Remembering 1955
This weekend also marks the 70th anniversary of the 1955 Le Mans disaster, where debris from a crash killed 81 spectators. A sobering reminder of the sport’s danger, this tragic chapter underscores how far safety and engineering have come.
Weather Forecast & Race Details
Thankfully, the French Met Office forecasts clear skies, making for ideal racing conditions. Drivers will tackle over 300 laps (4,000+ km) at speeds reaching 400 km/h on the Mulsanne Straight, blending skill, stamina, and machine endurance like no other motorsport event.
Conclusion
Will Ferrari secure a ‘magnificent’ third straight win, or will Toyota and others spoil the party? With high stakes, historic legacies, and a grid full of racing legends and newcomers, Le Mans 2025 promises drama, danger, and dazzling speed.
