The endurance world championship season concluded with a spectacular finale in Bahrain, delivering a competition that, despite partisan criticism, proved to be meritocratic and exciting. Porsche, Toyota, and Ferrari engaged in fierce battles across eight global events, with each team ultimately achieving well-deserved results based on their performance on the track.
Toyota: The Constructors’ Champion
Toyota secured the constructors’ title with an impressive comeback that began in Qatar. The decisive victory in Bahrain showcased the strength of the GR010 project. Despite entering its fourth consecutive year of competition, the hypercar demonstrated its competitiveness throughout the season.Even with a Balance of Performance (BoP) that often worked against it—making the GR010 the heaviest car on the grid and capping its power output in later races—Toyota capitalized on its extensive experience and operational excellence. However, occasional driver errors, such as those at Le Mans and Austin, highlighted areas for improvement as the team looks to refine its approach.
Ferrari: The King of Le Mans, But Struggling in the Championship
Ferrari entered the 2024 season with ambitious goals, aiming for both world titles and victory in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. While the world championships slipped away, the triumph at Le Mans with the 499P stands as a season-defining achievement.Despite improvements compared to its debut year, Ferrari continued to face challenges managing tire degradation on traditional circuits, often struggling against Toyota and Porsche. Strategic missteps and inconsistent performances among its driver lineups further complicated the team’s campaign. Although the BoP seemed more favorable towards the end of the championship—making the 499P lighter and even more powerful than the GR010—the results fell short of expectations. Addressing these issues will be critical for Ferrari to make a stronger bid for both titles in 2025.
Porsche: A Season of Excitement and Excellence
Porsche enjoyed an outstanding season, with the 963 securing victories across multiple rounds of the championship. The drivers’ title, bolstered by three race wins, including the season opener in Qatar, capped off a remarkable year. However, the disappointment of Le Mans lingered, as the car’s potential wasn’t fully realized on the iconic circuit.Porsche’s real strength lay in its driver lineups. Pilots like Vanthoor, Estre, and Lotterer consistently stood out for their speed and reliability, often making the difference. Their comeback in Interlagos—from last place to second—and their triumphs in Fuji and Qatar highlight their ability to shine even in challenging conditions. With Lotterer stepping away from the #6 car, the team will lose a key player, but its foundation for continued success in the WEC remains strong.
A Balanced Championship Despite the BoP
Despite ongoing criticism of the BoP system, the championship rewarded the best across the board: Toyota claimed the constructors’ title thanks to its overall consistency, Ferrari triumphed at Le Mans with the most competitive car on the French circuit, and Porsche celebrated the fastest and most consistent driver lineup. This season once again proved that endurance racing remains one of the most thrilling and unpredictable motorsport disciplines.
© Simone Marchetti