Ferrari leads the field at Le Mans after five hours, while Porsche stays within striking distance thanks to strong strategy and waits for its chance.
After five intense hours at the Circuit de la Sarthe, it’s clear: The 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans is delivering top-tier motorsport – with thrilling duels, clever strategies, and the first setbacks for some favorites. Here’s a detailed overview for those who haven’t been able to follow the action so far.
Opening Phase: Porsche Makes the First Statement
The start was surprisingly calm, but right from the first lap, Julien Andlauer in the #5 Porsche (Andlauer/Christensen/Jaminet) showed his class and snatched the lead from both Cadillacs. The American machines, starting from pole, had nothing to counter the strong Porsche.
Especially notable was Kevin Estre in the sister car #6 (Estre/L. Vanthoor/Campbell). After a qualifying disqualification, he started from the back and gained seven positions on the opening lap. Porsche’s early-stop, aggressive stint strategy paid off initially – both 963s established themselves at the front.
Ferrari Takes Command
From the second hour onwards, Ferrari’s long-run pace became clear. Antonio Fuoco in the #50 Ferrari (Fuoco/Molina/Nielsen) took the lead from Porsche on the Indianapolis straight and steadily extended it. The #51 Ferrari (Pier Guidi/Calado/Giovinazzi) and AF Corse #83 (Kubica/Ye/Hanson) also moved up, giving the Italians a triple presence at the front.
Ferrari appears to have reserves and is controlling the race with composure. Even a five-second penalty for the #83 (after a hard battle with the #6 Porsche) hasn’t fazed the team so far.
Cadillac and Alpine Falter
Porsche remains within striking distance with both factory cars. Kevin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor are battling the Ferraris but can’t quite match the pace. The #5 Porsche had to drop back after brake balance issues, overtaken by both Ferraris and the #6 sister car. The Jota Cadillacs (#12 and #38), strong in qualifying, are struggling in the race – lacking top speed and race pace, both are currently fighting only for top 10 positions.
Alpine, with Mick Schumacher in the #36 and the #35 sister car, had hoped for more, but both cars have already received penalties for speeding in the pit lane. Their pace isn’t enough to fight at the very front; Alpine is currently the sixth force and must hope for rivals’ mistakes.
Toyota and BMW Waiting in the Wings
The #8 Toyota (Buemi/Hartley/Hirakawa) has now established itself in the extended lead group after early traffic and can more or less match the leaders’ pace. The #20 BMW (Rast/Frijns/S. van der Linde) trio is also holding steady in the top 10, while the second BMW (#15) and the Peugeots have dropped back after an early off by the #93.
Incidents, Retirements, and Problems
- The first major crash occurred about three and a half hours in: The #88 Ford Mustang (Gattuso/Levorato/Olsen) went off at Tertre Rouge and is out of the race.
- Peugeot #93 (Di Resta/Mik. Jensen/Vergne) also went off but was able to continue for now.
- The first Full Course Yellow phases were triggered by debris on the track; there have been no major pile-ups so far.
- Penalties marked the early phase: Alongside the Alpine drivers, the AF Corse #83 Ferrari also had to serve a time penalty.
Strategic Picture after 5 Hours
Ferrari currently holds the best cards: The #50 controls the race with a lead of about 20 seconds over the best Porsche, while teammates #51 and #83 remain within striking distance.
Porsche is staying in the hunt with both works cars, remaining a threat thanks to clever strategy options. Toyota and BMW are waiting for mistakes from the leaders, while Cadillac and Alpine currently play no role in the fight for overall victory.
After five hours, it’s shaping up to be a clear three-way fight between Ferrari and Porsche, with Toyota as a possible surprise. The first retirements and setbacks have already left their mark, but in the longest race of the year, anything is still possible. The night will reveal whether Ferrari can maintain the pace – or whether Porsche can counter with strategy and consistency.
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Images © Endurance Archive (Walter Schruff)