Fred Vasseur Steps Outside F1 as Ferrari Look to Repeat 2023 Le Mans Feat

Ferrari returns from Canada with a result that feels like a nightmare for morale. Especially after a strong weekend at Monaco, the Tifosi had high expectations for the team. As Carlos Sainz said, “a race to forget for the team,” boss Fred Vasseur is living by these golden words. Frederic Vasseur stated the team understood why they couldn’t find speed in the low-grip condition of Montreal. They are going to channel their optimism and learnings from Canada into the upcoming races.

However, taking a break from Formula 1, Vasseur was spotted in the Ferrari garage at the 2024 24H Le Mans. Witness history in the making as Ferrari leads the endurance race this weekend. After the historic success of 2023, Ferrari returns to the scene of the triumph, though predictions are only somewhat favorable.

Despite showing good competitiveness and versatility early in the FIA World Endurance Championship season, things could change at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Despite the challenging situation, there’s a chance of success. Ferdinando Cannizzo, head of Ferrari’s endurance cars, emphasized that the Maranello team has learned to manage every scenario well.

Fred Vasseur is adding more energy to Ferrari at the 2024 Le Mans

With Ferrari F1 team boss Fred Vasseur in the paddock, endurance drivers Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen feel even more motivated to win Le Mans 2024.

A quick recap of 2024 24H Le Mans so far: Toyota with their car #8 topped FP2. They were followed by Whelan Cadillac, reigning champions Ferrari, followed by Lamborghini, Peugeot, and Porsche. Mick Schumacher went third quickest with Alpine. Leading the World Endurance Championship standings, the #6 Porsche topped the times in the final hour as Laurens Vanthoor set the fastest time, beating the previous mark by a full second. Ferrari showcased their strength when Antonio Fuoco drove his #50 car to the top of the leaderboard as the checkered flag fell.

Ferrari would love to retain their championship title and make it to eleven this year. Despite a sluggish start to the season, they are the favorites in this intense sport. Ferrari is aiming to be as invincible as 2023, the year that witnessed the mettle of the Maranello outfit. Let’s take a walk down memory lane to relive the moments from the 2023 World Endurance Championship (Le Mans).

2023 Le Mans and Ferrari’s tenth title win

Ferrari celebrated a historic victory at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, triumphing over Toyota, Cadillac, Peugeot, and others. Despite challenging weather conditions and tense moments in the pits, Ferrari’s #51 499P Hypercar clinched the win after a strategic race managed by their engineers.

Drivers James Calado, Alessandro Pier Guidi, and Antonio Giovinazzi maintained a strong pace throughout, securing Ferrari’s first-place finish. James Calado said after winning, “Our odds of finishing were slim, but we did it. We didn’t experience problems during pit stops, no mechanical troubles.”  This victory marks Ferrari’s return to Le Mans after 59 years, showcasing their resilience and competitive edge in the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship.

Ferrari aims for its eleventh title, the second consecutive one, while Toyota, Porsche, and Alpine are also actively competing. The last hours of Le Mans are the most crucial ones, as they make or break dreams. The test of time and patience is all that Le Mans beholds.

The tough conditions of the sport demand patience in a 24-hour racing challenge. The name “Endurance Race” fits rightfully with the conditions the drivers are subjected to. In addition to all this, there is the unpredictable weather, making the race even more difficult. Kudos to the hypercar drivers and their resilience.