The 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most renowned endurance races in the world, is set to return for its 101st edition, promising an exhilarating weekend of racing filled with excitement, strategy, and high-octane competition. Scheduled for 2025, the event will take place at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe, where teams from around the globe will converge to showcase their racing prowess. With a diverse array of manufacturers participating, the Hypercar race is expected to feature an impressive lineup that now includes BMW, Lamborghini, Alpine, Toyota, and the highly anticipated entry of Aston Martin.
Ferrari, the reigning champions of both 2023 and 2024, are aiming for a remarkable three-peat. However, they will face fierce competition as they take on formidable rivals. The current racing landscape has shifted dramatically, with old champions and new challengers alike making their mark on the scene. Fans are left to ponder whether Ferrari will be able to fend off these newcomers and defend their title successfully against such a stacked field.
The roster of competing drivers is equally exciting. The starting grid will include a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, prominently featuring former Formula 1 drivers such as Jenson Button, Kevin Magnussen, Mick Schumacher, Romain Grosjean, Robert Kubica, and Daniil Kvyat. Each driver carries with them a storied career, adding to the rich narrative of this legendary endurance race. These athletes will drive to improve not only their individual standing but also to elevate their teams in this grueling event.
As the race weekend approaches, fans and enthusiasts are eager to find answers to crucial questions: When does the 24 Hours of Le Mans take place? Who will be competing? What does the race schedule look like? And importantly, how can spectators in the UK tune in to catch all the action? Here’s a detailed overview of what the weekend of racing will look like:
On race week, the schedule kicks off with free practice sessions beginning promptly at 13:00, followed by qualifying rounds for LMP2 and LMGT3 classes at 17:45. The Hypercars will follow suit at 18:30. As the anticipation builds, teams will have multiple sessions to optimize their performance before the big race day. The final warm-up session will occur at 11:00 before the exhilarating race begins at 15:00. Coverage for the UK audience will be available on TNT Sports and the streaming platform discovery+, ensuring that fans can follow all the twists and turns of this epic endurance challenge.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is not just about speed but also strategy, endurance, and teamwork. Over the duration of this continuous race, which uniquely runs for 24 straight hours, the objective is to cover the most distance as a team. Each team consists of three drivers who will strategically alternate driving duties. However, to maintain safety and driver effectiveness, no driver can race for over 14 hours cumulatively throughout the event. The race is split into three classes: Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3, with Hypercars representing the pinnacle of speed and cutting-edge technology in endurance racing.
Qualifying for this year will be slightly different, implementing a new format. The first day will see LMP2 and LMGT3 cars sharing the track, while Hypercars will have their own separate sessions. The Hyperpole format will involve the fastest 12 cars from LMP2 and LMGT3 and the top 15 Hypercars, aiming to set the starting grid for the race. The Hyperpole sessions have also been modified into two rounds: H1 and H2, where top competitors will be eliminated in each round, heightening the competitive atmosphere leading into the main event.
With a field that boasts 21 Hypercars from eight manufacturers, alongside 24 LMGT3 cars and 17 LMP2 cars, the scope for excitement is vast. Racing legends such as Jenson Button, Nyck de Vries, and Jamie Chadwick will add to the drama of the event. Each driver’s journey will be one of determination and skill, embodying the spirit of endurance racing that Le Mans represents. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown, and fans around the world eagerly await what promises to be a historic weekend of motorsport.