Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans began a new chapter in its storied existence with the Centenary in 2023. That historic race ignited a momentum that continues to crescendo, drawing the world’s leading carmakers seeking a piece of the legendary pie.
The ACO has never been afraid to shake things up. In 2012, the creation of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) transformed the landscape by bringing a global scope to a once fragemented discipline. Just 10 years later, the top class called LMP1 inevitably reached the end of its cycle. An overhall became necessary to carry on a period defined by significant technological advancements, namely the use of hybrid systems.
Major developments began in 2021 with a specific goal in mind: the 2023 Centenary. LMP1 was phased out in favour of the Hypercar class governed by more flexible and affordable regulations. Constructors were given greater design freedom, while a Balance of Performance (BoP) system ensured that different vehicle architectures could compete on an equal footing. The concept was simply to entice major manufacturers back to the 24 Hours of Le Mans by offering compelling technical freedom without compromising the show.
As the only true factory entry, Toyota fielded the GR010 Hybrid (the first-ever Hypercar) and scored back-to-back wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2021 and 2022. The class was comprised of more modest yet still compelling opponents. Alpine entered the A480, a transitional car based on an LMP2 platform, which allowed the French marque to maintain a presence while awaiting its definitive project. Meanwhile, Glickenhaus brought a plucky underdog energy to the grid with the 007 LMH spearheaded by American Jim Glickenhaus on the scene to challenge the giants.
The early days saw the class thrive, proving Le Mans remained a desirable playing field. Announcements soon followed. Peugeot unveiled the 9X8, Porsche prepared the 963, Cadillac the V-Series.R and Ferrari its 499P marking the latter’s return to the highest level of endurance racing after a decades-long hiatus. The door was thrown open and the top carmakers were rushing through it.
The masterstroke of that period can be summed up in one acronym: LMDh. By aligning regulations with those of the North American sports-prototype championship called the IMSA, the FIA and ACO created a framework in which two platforms can coexist. On one hand, you have the LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) entrants permitted in the WEC and at Le Mans since 2021 (constructors are free to design as they see fit). On the other, you have the LMDh entrants introduced to the IMSA in 2023 which are built around a chassis supplied by one of the approved manufacturers and feature a common hybrid system.
The endeavor was compelling: single model, single budget and access to two prestigious championships. To top it all off, there was the opportunity to compete in both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. This dual showcase hosted in Europe and in the U.S. won over ambitious carmakers. It certainly was a major reason behind the commitment of Porsche and Cadillac.
Subsequent developments exceeded all expectations. For the Centenary, 16 Hypercars were entered by seven different manufacturers: Toyota, Ferrari, Porsche, Peugeot, Cadillac, Glickenhaus and Vanwall. It was the first time in a very long while the class brought together so many different marques and vehicle architectures. The event quickly sold out!
The historic race did not disappoint. Ferrari trimphed on the heels of a fierce duel with Toyota — who fought hard right down to the final moments — while Porsche and Cadillac, also at the front of the field, proved their LMDh cars competitive from the outset. The significance goes beyond the win itself: the Hypercar model had shown its worth to the entire world. Endurance racing found itself in a new golden age.
The Centenary served as a catalyst. The starting grid has continued to expand since 2024. Alpine returned with the A424 (a true LMDh entry this time) as BMW, Isotta Fraschini and Lamborghini joined the fray. In 2025, Aston Martin also joined the party with the Valkyrie, bringing the total number of Hypercars at the start to 21. In the more than 100-year history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the class contending for overall victory had rarely been so packed. For its part, Ferrari proved that its 2023 success was no one-off, securing further wins in 2024 and 2025.
The momentum keeps going. This year, the South Korean firm Genesis will embark on its WEC journey, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while McLaren and Ford prepare to make their debuts in 2027. The race has once again become an unmissable event for major marques as well as for those who aspire to become top contenders.
The transformation was not limited to the overall classification. In 2024, the "Grand Touring" category (previously split into two classes, LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am with only LMGTE Am remaining for the Centenary) was also overhauled. They were replaced by the LMGT3 class based on the GT3 model. These cars are produced in large numbers and are sold to customer teams across the globe following a proven business model and featuring driver line-ups that combine professionals with amateurs.
The success was sensational. Constructors that already had a GT3 car or were preparing to launch one could enter the WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans without having to start from scratch. In 2025, nine marques were represented in the new class: Mercedes-AMG, McLaren, Ford, Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lexus, BMW and Corvette.
This golden age does not rest on the fleeting enthusiasm of a few carmakers, but rather on a solid structure. At the top, there are regulations that keep budgets under control, along with a dual-path approach (LMH and LMDh) that allows for the sharing of investments between Europe and North America, with a major redesign anticipated by 2030. At the base, there is a GT3 pyramid that is also attracting new participants.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary marked the moment when endurance racing moved up in the world. It validated the Hypercar gamble, solidified the partnership with the IMSA and triggered a wave of entries, the likes of which had not been seen in recent times. Two years later, the field has expanded even more, wins have been clinched by various contenders, and new, prestigious names are on the horizon. The momentum generated in 2023 continues to bear fruit to this day — and the best is yet to come!
