Roses are red… and so are Ferraris

Unveiled today, the pair of prototypes that will chase glory in FIA WEC’s top-tier over the coming months are unmistakeably and unapologetically Ferraris through-and-through, continuing to uphold the legacy, prestige and triumphs of the Maranello-based brand while reinterpreting elements inherited from the legendary 312 PB.

Indeed, with its striking design cues, the 499P not only pays homage to recent successes, but also celebrates the illustrious past of its predecessor, which competed until 1973 before a 50-year hiatus emphatically ended in 2023 with Ferrari’s return to the highest level of endurance racing and victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.   

The defining theme remains the manufacturer’s signature red – a darker shade to reflect the colours seen on Ferrari race cars from previous decades – complemented by Giallo Modena. The glossy finish – optimised for high-visibility, particularly in night-time racing – is accentuated by matte accents that align with Scuderia Ferrari HP’s Formula 1 single-seater styling.

Underneath the skin, the 499P’s hybrid powertrain utilises an internal combustion engine derived from Ferrari’s family of twin-turbo V6 units, also found in road-going models – testament to FIA WEC’s role in the transfer of technologies between racing and production vehicles.

“Over the winter, we worked on the car and all our operational tools,” revealed Ferrari Head of Endurance Race Cars, Ferdinando Cannizzo. “From the second half of the 2024 season onwards, we introduced many modifications. Half of these focused on improving reliability and around a quarter on regulatory updates, while for the rest, we sought to optimise all areas where we found performance gaps with our competitors. 

“In 2025, while there are no ‘joker’ updates, there are many areas for improvement. We have worked hard to expand the set-up window, evaluating new philosophies aimed at better exploitation of the aerodynamics and tyre performance in all conditions. To complement this, we are committed to the continuous development of control systems, to enhance precision and provide ever-faster responses to driver inputs.”

After finishing unfailingly inside the top three in the FIA WEC Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ standings since its official return to the international pinnacle of the discipline, Ferrari is targeting solid points scores in every race as it sets its sights on both titles this season, having last claimed an endurance racing world championship trophy in 1972.

There is continuity once again on the driving front, with an unchanged line-up in both Ferrari AF Corse cars. Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen will share the #50 499P, with Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado and Antonio Giovinazzi aboard the sister #51 entry. The crews have each prevailed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans over the past two years – the #51 in 2023 and the #50 in 2024 – while pocketing multiple podiums and pole positions elsewhere.

“2025 will see us in our third consecutive year in the top class of FIA WEC, aiming to build upon all the strong results we have achieved so far and, above all, become even more consistent,” affirmed Antonello Coletta, Global Head of Ferrari Endurance and Corse Clienti.

“In previous seasons, we experienced highs and lows – mainly because 2023 was our debut year, and in 2024, the team had to continue progressing within a category that was still new to us. That learning phase has continued, and this season, I hope we can be front-runners in the fight for the world championship title. 

“We have to be humble, as we are competing against many manufacturers in this championship, some of whom are more experienced than us, having been involved in the category for much longer – but I believe we have taken a crucial step forward, particularly in our technical knowledge of the car. Let’s remember that the development of the 499P took place in an exceptionally fast-paced and intense timeframe ahead of its race debut in 2023.

“If we’d had more time to begin with, we could have accelerated this learning phase, which instead, we continued during the races in 2023 and 2024. We have therefore improved our knowledge of the car and all operations, both on-track and in Maranello, showing growth on all fronts.”

The eight-round 2025 FIA WEC campaign will get underway with the curtain-raising Qatar 1812km on 28 February, preceded by the traditional ‘Prologue’ group test at the same circuit on 21-22 February.