Ferrari AF Corse

Ferrari AF Corse represents the pinnacle of Italian motorsport excellence in endurance racing, a collaboration between the iconic Ferrari marque and the storied AF Corse team. Founded in 2023, the team was established to spearhead Ferrari’s return to the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the 499P Hypercar, marking a new chapter in the brand’s rich endurance racing legacy. The partnership combines Ferrari’s engineering prowess with AF Corse’s decades of experience in GT and endurance competition, creating a formidable force in the Hypercar category. Based in Piacenza, Italy, the team operates under the leadership of Amato Ferrari, a respected figure in motorsport whose vision has shaped AF Corse into one of the most successful GT teams in history before its elevation to factory Hypercar status.

The team’s founding was a strategic move by Ferrari to reassert itself in prototype racing, a discipline it had been absent from since the 1970s. The decision to entrust AF Corse with the factory Hypercar program was a natural one, given the team’s long-standing relationship with Ferrari. AF Corse had already proven itself as the dominant force in GT racing, securing multiple WEC championships and victories at prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GTE-Pro class. The transition to Hypercar was a bold step, but one that aligned with the team’s ambition to compete at the highest level of endurance racing.

Ferrari AF Corse’s early achievements have been nothing short of notable. In its debut season, the team made an immediate impact, with the Ferrari 499P securing a historic victory at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans—Ferrari’s first overall win at the event since 1965. This triumph was a testament to the team’s meticulous preparation and the technical brilliance of the 499P, which combined hybrid power with aerodynamic efficiency to outperform established rivals. The victory cemented Ferrari AF Corse’s place as a leading contender in the Hypercar era and set the team on a path to further success. Beyond Le Mans, the squad has consistently fought for podiums in the WEC, demonstrating both speed and reliability in a fiercely competitive field.

The team has attracted some of the most talented drivers in endurance racing, blending seasoned veterans with rising stars. Names like Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi have been instrumental in the 499P’s success, bringing a mix of experience, racecraft, and raw speed. Pier Guidi and Calado, both multiple-time GT world champions with AF Corse, transitioned seamlessly to the Hypercar program, while Giovinazzi added Formula 1 expertise to the lineup. The team’s driver roster reflects a commitment to excellence, with each member selected for their ability to extract maximum performance from the car while contributing to its development.

Technically, Ferrari AF Corse operates with a philosophy rooted in precision and innovation. The 499P Hypercar is a masterpiece of modern engineering, featuring a twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain that balances power and efficiency. The team’s approach to endurance racing emphasizes adaptability, with a focus on optimizing setup and strategy for varying track conditions. AF Corse’s experience in GT racing has translated well to the Hypercar category, particularly in areas like tire management and racecraft. The collaboration with Ferrari’s factory engineers ensures that the car evolves continuously, with updates and refinements keeping it at the cutting edge of performance.

In the current era of WEC, Ferrari AF Corse remains a dominant force, consistently challenging for victories in a grid packed with manufacturer-backed teams. The 2024 season has seen the team build on its early success, with strong showings at races like Sebring and Spa-Francorchamps. While competition from Porsche, Toyota, and Cadillac has intensified, Ferrari AF Corse’s ability to deliver under pressure has kept it in championship contention. The team’s resilience was on full display at Le Mans in 2024, where it battled through adversity to secure another podium finish, proving its status as a perennial favorite.

The team’s headquarters in Piacenza, Italy, serves as the nerve center for its operations. The facility is a hub of technical innovation, housing state-of-the-art workshops, simulation tools, and engineering departments dedicated to the 499P program. Piacenza’s location in Italy’s motorsport heartland provides easy access to Ferrari’s Maranello base, fostering close collaboration between the two entities. The synergy between AF Corse’s race team and Ferrari’s technical resources is a key factor in the program’s success, enabling rapid development and problem-solving during the grueling WEC season.

Amato Ferrari’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and success. A visionary in GT racing, he built AF Corse into a powerhouse long before its Hypercar venture, and his transition to overseeing Ferrari’s factory effort has been seamless. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of endurance racing have created a culture of excellence within the team, where attention to detail and relentless pursuit of performance are paramount. Under his guidance, Ferrari AF Corse has maintained the spirit of a privateer team while operating with the resources of a manufacturer program, striking a balance that few in the paddock can match.

As Ferrari AF Corse continues to compete at the highest level of endurance racing, its blend of Italian passion, technical brilliance, and strategic acumen ensures it remains a force to be reckoned with. The team’s rapid ascent in the Hypercar category is a testament to its preparation, talent, and unwavering commitment to winning. With each race, Ferrari AF Corse not only upholds the legacy of its namesake but also forges a new legacy of its own in the annals of motorsport history.