Ferrari has unveiled the updated livery for its 499P Hypercar, combining continuity with exciting new features as they gear up for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship season. The updated paint scheme retains the car's recognizably bold red but introduces a deepened hue, reminiscent of classic Ferrari models from decades past. Accents of Giallo Modena yellow have been repositioned to reflect the legacy of the iconic 312 PB prototype, which enjoyed competitive success until 1973.
Fans will appreciate the livery's modernization, which now includes the familiar yellow diagonal stripe extending across the side pods instead of being confined to the lower portions. This deliberate aesthetic decision not only enhances the car's visibility but also aims to impress spectators from the grandstand during races.
For the Qatar 1812km, the opening event of the new season, the #50 and #51 Ferrari 499Ps are set to compete with the technical evolution package first introduced at the São Paulo race, featuring updates aimed at boosting performance. Among these updates is a revised brake cooling duct system, as well as aerodynamic flicks positioned under the front headlamps, which are expected to improve the car's handling and speed.
Ferrari's commitment to excellence extends beyond aesthetics; the team's offseason workload focused heavily on optimizing the entire technical setup during authorized track testing and simulator runs. They have undertaken careful refinements within regulatory limits to address performance deficits observed against their competitors.
Unchanged from the previous season, the driver line-ups reflect the team's confidence and experience. Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen return to the #50 car, fresh off their victory at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. Meanwhile, the #51 car will be piloted by Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi. With aspirations to improve upon their third-place finish in the Manufacturers’ Championship last year, Ferrari is hoping to secure valuable points at every event on the calendar, aiming for the coveted manufacturers' and drivers' titles.
A potential championship victory would mark Ferrari's first world endurance crown since they triumphed at the World Championship for Makes back in 1972, infusing the 2025 season with even greater significance.
AF Corse, the official Ferrari team, is also maintaining consistency with their Ferrari 296 line-up, which will sport the traditional bi-color silver and red livery. Notably, the vibrant red has been enhanced significantly, encircling the cars through the hood, doors, and roofs, which amplifies their presence on the track. This year, the Italian racing team will roll out their cars numbered 21 and 54, featuring the improved half-red design.
Antonello Coletta, Head of Endurance and Client Competition at Ferrari, expressed optimism about the new FIA GT World Championship category, describing it as exciting and highlighting the competitiveness of the Ferrari 296 LMGT3. He affirmed confidence in AF Corse's evolution as they continue to impress with their performance, evidenced by their recent win at the 6 Hours of Fuji.
The driver suits remain unchanged at AF Corse: Francesco Castellacci, Thomas Flohr, and Davide Rigon will be driving the #54 car, with François Hériau, Simon Mann, and Alessio Rovera handling the duties for the #21 (previously #55). Coletta hopes the backing of their official drivers involved with the project will bring immense enjoyment to fans.
With 2025 promising to be thrilling for Ferrari, the upgrades and consistent vision showcase their dedication to both legacy and innovation within endurance racing.