Ferrari is back and ready to impress! The Italian carmaker has revealed its retro hypercar design for the 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC). This marks Ferrari’s third season in the hypercar category, and they are taking it to the next level with a stunning new look for their 499P Le Mans hypercars.
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A Bold New Look
The two factory cars will sport a blood red livery. Ferrari’s sports car racing boss, Antonello Coletta, describes this new design as a “reminder of the past.” The darker shade of red is not just a color change; it reinterprets the colors seen on Ferrari race cars over the years. This new hue is inspired by the color used on Ferrari’s 488 GTE racers in 2019. That year, Luigi Chinetti and Lord Selsdon celebrated the 70th anniversary of their 1949 Le Mans 24 Hours victory while driving the 166MM.
Design Changes for 2025
Ferrari has made several design changes for the 499P for the upcoming season. One of the most notable is the introduction of new stripes in Modena yellow, which now run along the top surface of the side panels instead of down the sides. This change was necessary to fit in a new LED light panel that shows each car’s race position. These panels are located on the front of each side panel, which means that in 2024, the race numbers will shift back to where the stripes now run.
A Nod to History
The yellow accents on the cars are a tribute to Ferrari’s last factory prototype race car, the 312PB Group 6 racer from the early 1970s. The 312PB had a significant impact, winning the Sebring 12 Hours in 1972, driven by legends Mario Andretti and Jacky Ickx. Ickx, along with Brian Redman, later won the Monza and Nurburgring World Championships for Constructors in the same colors.
Modern Touches
The new 499P livery also features matte accents that align with the design of Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars. Fans can expect to see these stunning designs unveiled at the F1 75 Live event at the O2 Arena on February 18.
Driver Line-Up
As the 2025 season approaches, Ferrari will keep its driver lineup unchanged. In car number 50, fans will see Nicklas Nielsen, Antonio Fuoco, and Miguel Molina. Meanwhile, car number 51 will feature Antonio Giovinazzi, James Calado, and Alessandro Pier Guidi. This marks the third consecutive season that these two teams will race together.
New Additions to the Team
With the recent move of Shwartzman to IndyCar with Prema Racing, Phil Hanson will join Kubica and Ye in the customer AF entry. This adds fresh talent to the Ferrari racing family.
Upcoming Events
The WEC season is set to kick off with the Qatar 1812Km at the Lusail International Circuit on February 28. Before that, the official pre-season prologue test will take place at the same venue on February 21 and 22. This is an exciting time for Ferrari and its fans as they prepare for another thrilling season of endurance racing.
Looking Ahead
Ferrari is not just focusing on the visual appeal of their cars. They are also working hard to improve the performance and reliability of the 499P. The team has been making updates and modifications to enhance the car’s capability on the track. They are committed to continuous development and are eager to showcase their improvements during the upcoming races.
FAQs
What is the Ferrari 499P?
The Ferrari 499P is a hypercar designed for endurance racing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). It represents Ferrari’s return to factory prototype racing after a long hiatus.
When does the 2025 WEC season start?
The 2025 WEC season kicks off on February 28 with the Qatar 1812Km race at the Lusail International Circuit.
Who are the drivers for Ferrari in the 2025 season?
Ferrari’s driver lineup includes Nicklas Nielsen, Antonio Fuoco, and Miguel Molina for car number 50, and Antonio Giovinazzi, James Calado, and Alessandro Pier Guidi for car number 51.
What are the design changes for the 499P in 2025?
For 2025, the 499P features a new darker red livery, Modena yellow stripes on the top surface of the side panels, and a new LED light panel to display race positions.
Is Ferrari making any technical updates to the 499P?
Yes, Ferrari is focused on improving the reliability and performance of the 499P forthe 2025 season, with numerous updates and modifications planned.
Conclusion
Ferrari’s entry into the 2025 WEC season is highly anticipated. With a fresh retro design that pays homage to its glorious past, and a steadfast commitment to performance, Ferrari is ready to chase victory on the racetrack. Fans can look forward to seeing the new 499P in action and cheering for their favorite drivers as they aim for the championship title.