“You are constantly under high tension”
This weekend, Ferrari wants to defend its title at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 499P. The Italian Antonio Giovinazzi is the defending champion in Le Mans. Here he talks about his life in red.
Antonio Giovinazzi, last year you, as an Italian, Ferrari the 24 hours of Le Mans. What does this victory mean to you?
Antonio Giovinazzi (30):It was a really special moment. Since I was a little kid, I dreamed of being a racing driver for Ferrari and winning with Ferrari. But I never expected to be successful with Ferrari at Le Mans. Ferrari hadn’t competed for overall victory there for a long time, not for 50 years. For me, it was one of the best days of my life, simply sensational. You come from Formula 1.
Antonio Giovinazzi (30):It was a really special moment. Since I was a little kid, I dreamed of being a racing driver for Ferrari and winning with Ferrari. But I never expected to be successful with Ferrari at Le Mans. Ferrari hadn’t competed for overall victory there for a long time, not for 50 years. For me, it was one of the best days of my life, simply sensational. You come from Formula 1.
Please compare the premier class with the Sports Car World Championship (WEC).
Of course, Formula 1 is the most important racing series in the world. But the WEC is a very strong up-and-coming championship. I still remember when I went to Monza There were only around 5,000 spectators at the track on race Sunday. A year later there were already 75,000 fans. The series is becoming more and more popular.
Of course, Formula 1 is the most important racing series in the world. But the WEC is a very strong up-and-coming championship. I still remember when I went to Monza There were only around 5,000 spectators at the track on race Sunday. A year later there were already 75,000 fans. The series is becoming more and more popular.
Also thanks to Ferrari.Having Ferrari there is indeed a big boost. We are fighting against major manufacturers, some of them in rivalries that have existed for a long time.
The Italian Antonio Giovinazzi is the defending champion in Le Mans.
Image: Ferrari
How does the WEC differ from Formula 1?Both are motorsports – one is sprint races, the other is endurance races. But even though the races in the Sports Car World Championship are much longer, they are just as exciting. In the WEC you are constantly overtaking – sometimes four or five cars on one lap. These can be GT3 cars or other hypercars. The 24 Hours of Le Mans are particularly special because you are constantly under high tension, even when your teammates are driving the car. It is a real team sport.
How does your hybrid hypercar with almost 700 hp drive?A hypercar drives almost like a Formula 1 car, only with significantly less aerodynamic downforce, less power and around 200 kilograms more weight. So you have to brake earlier and don’t have as much speed in the corners because the downforce is lower. But the driving style is the same.
What are you most looking forward to at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
Le Mans has a special aura. It is not easy to describe the feeling. But when you watch the fans who sleep in the huge grandstands or camp for a whole week on the side of the track, who come to the parade in town or to the fan zones, then Le Mans is something extraordinary for a driver too. Every professional should have driven the 24 Hours of Le Mans at least once in their career. Here, as a driver, you feel real, true passion from fans who follow you and support you. And as a driver, you want to experience exactly that.
Le Mans has a special aura. It is not easy to describe the feeling. But when you watch the fans who sleep in the huge grandstands or camp for a whole week on the side of the track, who come to the parade in town or to the fan zones, then Le Mans is something extraordinary for a driver too. Every professional should have driven the 24 Hours of Le Mans at least once in their career. Here, as a driver, you feel real, true passion from fans who follow you and support you. And as a driver, you want to experience exactly that.
The key to victory is……consistency.
This is Antonio Giovinazzi
The Italian drove a total of 62 Formula 1 races for Sauber and Alfa Romeowon the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Ferrari in 2023.
TV tip 24h Le Mans
Nitro will show the 24 Hours of Le Mans live on June 15th from 2:45 p.m.
