2025 24 Hours of Le Mans: What to Expect, Who’s Racing, and the Legacy of Le Mans

The 93rd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans returns on June 14–15, 2025, bringing the world’s most iconic endurance race back to the spotlight. With a record breaking 62-car grid and intense manufacturer rivalries, this year’s race promises to be one of the most competitive in the event’s storied history.

The Track: Circuit de la Sarthe

Located in Le Mans, France, the Circuit de la Sarthe is a unique blend of closed public roads and permanent racing sections. At 13.626 kilometers (8.467 miles) per lap, it remains one of the longest circuits in motorsport. Iconic corners like Tertre Rouge, the Dunlop Curve, Arnage, and the Porsche Curves, alongside the blisteringly fast Mulsanne Straight, define the character of Le Mans.

First held in 1923, Le Mans is the oldest active endurance race in the world. Over the past century, it has become a proving ground for technological innovation, driver endurance, and team strategy. From Ford vs. Ferrari in the 1960s to Audi’s dominance in the early 2000s, Le Mans has seen legends born and legacies built.

Entry List Breakdown

Hypercar (21 entries)

The premier class of the FIA World Endurance Championship features the most advanced machinery and biggest names in international racing.

Ferrari AF Corse – The 499P prototype made a stunning return in 2023 and now returns to defend its 2024 victory.

Toyota Gazoo Racing – Former kings of Le Mans, Toyota looks to rebound after a disappointing 2024 outing.

Porsche Penske Motorsport – Entering three Porsche 963s, Penske’s operation is one of the most polished and dangerous on the grid.

Cadillac Racing – Featuring multiple entries from Action Express and Wayne Taylor Racing, Cadillac is building momentum after strong showings in IMSA.

Peugeot TotalEnergies – The 9X8 now features a revised rear wing. The question is whether it has the pace to compete for the overall win.

BMW M Team WRT – The M Hybrid V8 makes its Le Mans debut with endurance veterans WRT at the helm.

Alpine Endurance Team – Reentering the top class with the new A424 Hypercar.

Isotta Fraschini – A boutique Italian manufacturer making a historic return to Le Mans.

Privateer Porsches – Proton Competition and JOTA add firepower and unpredictability to the mix.

LMP2 (17 entries)

Although removed from the full-time WEC calendar, LMP2 continues to thrive at Le Mans with a strong entry of independent and semi-factory teams.

United Autosports

IDEC Sport

Algarve Pro Racing

Inter Europol Competition

COOL Racing

AF Corse

Panis Racing

LMP2 remains a fan favorite, often producing the closest racing on track and serving as a proving ground for drivers aiming for Hypercar opportunities.

LMGT3 (24 entries)

Replacing the old GTE category, LMGT3 debuts at Le Mans in 2025 with manufacturer-backed GT cars running to international GT3 specifications.

Ferrari 296 GT3

Porsche 911 GT3 R

BMW M4 GT3

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R

Aston Martin Vantage GT3

Lexus RC F GT3

Ford Mustang GT3

McLaren 720S GT3 Evo

Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2

Notable stories include the debut of the new Ford Mustang GT3 and Corvette Z06 GT3.R, as well as the return of the all-female Iron Dames squad, this time piloting a Porsche. Perhaps the most headline-worthy debut is that of nine-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, who will race in a BMW M4 GT3 fielded by Team WRT.

Key Storylines to Watch

Can Ferrari Repeat?

After its emotional win in 2023 and continued strength through 2024, Ferrari is the team to beat. But with stronger challenges from Porsche, Toyota, and Cadillac, the Scuderia won’t have an easy time defending its title.

Toyota’s Struggle to Return to Form

Toyota dominated the Hypercar era’s early years, but shifting regulations and a new Balance of Performance system have equalized the field. Can they rise to the challenge in 2025?

Privateer Disruption?

Proton, JOTA, and Isotta Fraschini aren’t just there to make up the numbers. With experienced driver lineups and improving cars, any one of them could upset the established factory teams.

LMGT3: A New Era Begins

This year marks the first time GT3-spec cars race at Le Mans. With balance of performance changes, unfamiliarity in race strategy at this scale, and new cars like the Mustang and Corvette, this class will be as unpredictable as it is competitive.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans brings together a perfect storm of history, innovation, and intense competition. With a deep field across all classes, an evolving rulebook, and the looming centenary of the ACO on the horizon, this year’s race could mark the start of a new golden era for endurance racing.

Whether it’s a Ferrari repeat, a Porsche power play, or a Toyota resurgence, one thing is certain: Le Mans remains the ultimate test in motorsports.