Editorial: Is the future of motor sport being written in endurance racing?

Le Mans proved it. Even after 24 hours of racing, the gaps between each other can be tiny. Yes, a fifteen-second difference at the end of a double clock tour is very little. In Formula 1, Max Verstappen can leave the competition behind with such a short amount of time in just a handful of laps.

So with so little difference in terms of performance, the show is guaranteed. Three or even four cars side by side in a straight line, believe me, it sends shivers down your spine. And it’s not in F1 that we could witness such a scene.

Beyond the spectacle, with the possibility of playing to win in each race and not saying to oneself « if we finish less than five laps, it will be fine », the manufacturers are flocking. Porsche, Toyota, Ferrari, Peugeot, BMW, Alpine, Isotta Fraschini, Cadillac, Lamborghini… All have had the honor of being present at the 24 Hours. And overall, in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Aston Martin will soon join the party. Acura is engaged in IMSA, on the other side of the Atlantic. McLaren reportedly has a project in the pipeline. And that’s just talking about the Hypercar category…

So how to explain this great motivation towards endurance? First of all, the registration fees are lower. Much lower than in F1. Above all, you don’t have to pay the crazy sum of 600 million euros just to appear on the grid. With no performance guarantee. And if you’re willing to put all that money on the table, in WEC, the authorities do not say no. On the contrary. You are welcomed with open arms.

This championship also offers a certain freedom for everyone. A V12 at Aston, a nice loud V8 from the Americans. You will have understood, no engine is alike. This offers a festival of melodies.

Looking closely at all the cars involved, they have one thing in common. None of them look alike. Remove the livery from all the Hypercars. Even without these decorations, the Ferrari is recognizable. The Peugeot, the same. The Lamborghini, likewise…

There is freedom among the constructors. But also among the manufacturers. Michelin offers real tires. And this, thanks to a coherent and well-thought-out technical regulation. Two or even three stints at Le Mans of twelve laps each, without losing rhythm, we let you do the math… Competitors can cover insane distances. Take Formula 1, for example. You don’t have to have tires worthy of a low-end Chinese website, whose name we will not mention, to have exciting races.

The calendar is also an important aspect to take into account. Eight races for the WEC compared to 24 for F1. Yes, the frequency is not the same. It can create frustration. A little, yes. But it mainly provides some anticipation for the next event. At the same time, scheduling 24 appointments with such a schedule would be reckless. Inhuman even.

How to talk about motorsport without mentioning the audience? In endurance racing, it is less present than in Formula 1. Let’s not kid ourselves. Yet, tickets are much more accessible. Look, the price to go to Silverstone soon to admire Lewis Hamilton and company. Done? Now, go get tickets for the upcoming WEC races. We now let you complete this paragraph.

Endurance is a true championship for purists. Not (yet) polluted by Netflix. Nor by opportunistic influencers, coming from TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, who are taking the place of people who work. Most of them have paid and taken out loans to become a journalist or photographer.

The fact that endurance racing is less publicized than Formula 1 may discourage some. However, upon closer inspection, the regulations are not so complex and anyone can easily understand them.

And one of the big advantages, the names of the entrants are quite familiar. No Stake. No Visa Cash App. No quirky appellations or coming from a science fiction movie. Here, a team corresponds to a brand. Period. No need to look any further. Real motorsport is there.