The 24 Hours of Le Mans, part of the WEC World Championship, is the ultimate endurance race-a combination of technical innovation, human challenge and pure excitement. Each edition tells a unique story of speed, endurance and strategy.
The Circuit de la Sarthe and the race format
The race takes place on a track approximately 13.6 km long, combining public roads and permanent segments, with very long straights such as the Mulsanne Straight, complex turns and surface variations.
Start: Saturday at 4 p.m. End: Sunday same time, after 24 hours of running. The distances covered often exceed 5,000 km .
Weekend milestones: testing, qualifying, Hyperpole, pit stops and strategy-a technical and human marathon.
Classes and technical regulations
Hypercar
21 cars entered: these include the Ferrari, Toyota, Porsche, Cadillac, BMW, Alpine, Peugeot and Aston Martin brands (last debuting the Valkyrie).
Technologies: two technical formulas-LMH (proprietary chassis and engine) and LMDh (standard chassis + common hybrid).
Rules: minimum weight 1,030 kg, power limited to 500 kW, Michelin tires exclusively.
LMP2
17 endothermic prototypes (Oreca dominant), ideal for private teams and young talent.
Pilot classification system: combinations of Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze .
LMGT3
24 cars derived from series production: famous brands such as Ferrari, McLaren, Aston, Porsche, Corvette, Mercedes, Lexus, Ford .
Crew levels: mix of Pro and Gentleman drivers, with Bronze Driver presence mandatory in GT classes .
Innovations and technical curiosities
- Disc brakes (1953): Jaguar introduced this innovation at Le Mans, dominating the race with greater resistance to overheating .
- Advanced aerodynamics (1960s): first wings to increase downforce in cornering, a competitive leap from purely linear speed ([as.com][6]).
- Diesel and Hybrid Technology: Audi won with the R10 TDI (diesel) in 2006 and with the R18 e-tron quattro (hybrid) in 2012, marking the beginning of a new era .
Unique moments and timeless protagonists
Jacky Ickx and the “Le Mans-style” start (1969)
He refused the dramatic walking start, calmly got into his car, put on his seatbelt and drove off in reverse. Vince, convinced the organizers to change the format.
The Ford-Ferrari Rivalry (1966)
Celebrated in the film “Le Mans ’66”: Ford decided to challenge Ferrari on power and technology, achieving a legendary 1-2-3 with the GT4.
The champagne toast (1967)
Dan Gurney opened the champagne by splashing the attendees: from there a tradition was born that is unmissable in all motor sports.
Participants 2025: the complete grid
Total entries: **62 cars** – Hypercar (21), LMP2 (17), LMGT3 (24).
186 drivers, with famous names and mixed crews by usual technical and economic combination.
Hypercars: the big boys on the track
Brands featured: Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot, Porsche, Toyota (8 manufacturers).
Some crews (by way of example):
- N 50 Ferrari AF Corse: Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen (2024 winners).
- No. 38 Cadillac Hertz Team Jota: Jenson Button (former F1), Sébastien Bourdais, Alex Lynn.
- N 12 Cadillac Hertz Team Jota: first overall pole position for Cadillac, driven by Alex Lynn, Norman Nato and Will Stevens.
The Most Famous Pilots
19 former F1 drivers: Jenson Button, Kevin Magnussen, Antonio Giovinazzi, Robert Kubica, Stoffel Vandoorne, Paul di Resta, Felipe Nasr, Pascal Wehrlein.
Nepo babies and legendary families : Mick Schumacher, Eduardo Barrichello, Pietro Fittipaldi .
Celebrity: Valentino Rossi returns for the second time .
Hyperpole 2025e deployment
Debut of the Hyperpole format over two days: Cadillacs number 12 and 38 start on the front row for the first time in history
The Future of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Extension of Hypercar regulation until 2032, allowing continuity and investment by manufacturers .
Implementation of “sustainable fuels,” greater push toward hybrid and hydrogen engines.
Garage 56 will continue to be a vehicle for experimentation-who knows, Mercedes or Hyundai, entering 2026 with the Genesis Brand might debut Extreme-E or Gen3 technologies.
Why the 24 Hours of Le Mans represents the pinnacle of endurance racing
- Cutting-edge engineering: from physical innovations to sustainable fuels, Le Mans dictates the future of the car.
- Extraordinary human performance: crews, mechanics, strategists-each corresponds to a key piece of the race.
- 3. Storytelling and passion: historical rivalries, pit-stop celebrations, debuts, comebacks-humanity behind speed.
- Global visibility-a powerful mix for sponsors seeking passionate audiences, technology and sustainability.
Opportunities for brands and sponsors
- Exclusive participation with Mercedes, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Cadillac.
- Multi-channel storytelling by integrating celebrity pilots, innovation, sustainability, and human events.
- Elite hospitality with premium packages and customized content.
- Digital engagement : social content with ex-F1, celeb and cutting-edge technologies.