Le Mans for Beginners: 5 Essentials to Know Before the 24-Hour Race

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The 93rd round of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is set to take place this weekend, where the limits of man and machine will be tested. The race is held every year in Le Mans, France, and is linked to a rich racing history. Here are five things you need to know about the Le Mans ahead of the weekend.
The grueling race format features three racing categories separated by the power output of the cars. Each car is shared by three drivers who take turns in the 24-hour race. Le Mans pushes the cars and minds to the absolute limit, and only the toughest, fastest, and most consistent make it to the top of the podium.
1. Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3 Cars
Le Mans 24 Hours is split into three categories, beginning with the fastest category called Hypercar, where purpose-built race cars with a red background behind their racing numbers exceed speeds of 200 mph.
LMP2 cars feature numbers with a blue background, reaching similar but slightly slower speeds. The lowest category is the LMGT3, where supercars with performance modifications race. The numbers on these cars sport an orange background.
The #50 Ferrari AF Corse, Ferrari 499P of Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen in action during practice for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 11, 2025 in Le Mans, France.
The #50 Ferrari AF Corse, Ferrari 499P of Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen in action during practice for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 11, 2025 in Le Mans, France.
James2. Driver conditions
Each of the three drivers within a team must race for a minimum of six hours, but they can't drive for more than four hours in a stretch within that six-hour window. Drivers are allowed to swap during pit stops for tire changes and refueling.
3. The winner is the car that covers the maximum distance
The winning car is the one that has raced the maximum distance to the chequered flag. Regardless of the race duration, the flag is waved precisely at 4pm CET.
4. Staying on track and consistency are key
In Le Mans, drivers are required to maintain a consistent performance to ensure they maintain their position and preserve components like tires. They must also ensure they do not overheat critical engine components, and avoid running over the kerbs to reduce load on the car's suspension. However, the strategy could change depending on the decisions made by each team and the scenarios they're racing in.
5. Night race
Le Mans gets more intense after sundown, as cooler temperatures at night help drivers push further. The chances of drivers running over fallen debris at night are high, increasing the possibility of punctures and other potential damage. In addition, there is a high chance of fatigue setting in late into the night, increasing the chances of incidents.
When and How to Watch the Le Mans 24 Hours
Saturday 14 June
12pm-12:15pm CET: Warm-up
4pm CET: Race start
Sunday 15 June