Toyota Crowns Itself Champion Again: GR010 Hybrid Wins 2024 Le Mans 24 Hours

Toyota Racing secured its fifth overall victory at the 2024 Le Mans 24 Hours, with the #8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid crossing the finish line ahead of Ferrari, BMW, and Cadillac. The win—achieved under challenging conditions—marks Toyota’s seventh win in the last eight editions of the race, solidifying its dominance in hybrid hypercar endurance racing.

The 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans unfolded over 3,423 kilometers on the Circuit de la Sarthe, with Toyota’s #8 car (driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Riley Hemsworth) finishing in 37:02:15.334. Ferrari’s #51 AF Corse entry placed second, while BMW’s #83 car and Cadillac’s #31 entry rounded out the top four.

Toyota’s Dominance: How the GR010 Hybrid Secured Victory

Toyota’s win was built on relentless pace and strategic precision. The GR010 Hybrid—now in its third season—demonstrated improved reliability and efficiency, a stark contrast to Ferrari’s struggles with consistency. According to AutoSport, Toyota’s hybrid system, which combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged V6 with electric motors, delivered a peak power output of 520 horsepower, though the team emphasized energy management as the decisive factor.

The race saw Toyota’s #8 car lead for the final 1,500 kilometers, a testament to its endurance advantage. “This victory is the result of incredible teamwork and the evolution of our hybrid technology,” said Pascal Vasselon, Toyota Gazoo Racing CEO, in a post-race statement. “We’ve pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in endurance racing, and this win proves it.”

Ferrari’s Struggles: Why the Scuderia Fell Short

Ferrari’s second-place finish—its best result since 2012—was overshadowed by reliability issues that plagued its #51 AF Corse entry. The car suffered a gearbox problem in the early hours, costing it critical laps. “We were competitive, but endurance racing is unforgiving,” said Ferrari team principal Alessandro Alunni Bravi. “We’ll take this as a learning experience for next year.”

BMW’s #83 car, driven by Marco Wittmann, Nicklas Nielsen, and Marco Sørensen, finished third, marking the German manufacturer’s first podium in the race since 2012. Cadillac’s #31 entry, driven by Tom Blomqvist, Mike Conway, and Richard Westbrook, secured fourth place, the American brand’s best result to date.

Why This Win Matters: Toyota’s Endurance Legacy

Toyota’s victory extends its streak of dominance in hybrid hypercar racing. Since debuting at Le Mans in 2018, the Japanese manufacturer has won five of the last eight editions—a record matched only by Porsche in the 1990s. The GR010 Hybrid’s success underscores the effectiveness of Toyota’s hybrid powertrain, a technology that has become the benchmark for the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

For Ferrari, the result is a bitter pill. Despite fielding the most powerful car on track, reliability and strategy errors cost the Scuderia its first Le Mans win since 2012. “We’re not satisfied,” said Ferrari’s technical director, Enrico Cardile. “We know we can do better, and we will.”

BMW and Cadillac, meanwhile, used the race as a proving ground for their respective programs. BMW’s third-place finish suggests its hybrid V8 is competitive, while Cadillac’s fourth-place result—despite a challenging race—positions the American brand as a rising force in endurance racing.

Key Moments: How the Race Unfolded

The race began under dry conditions, but heavy rain in the early hours forced teams to adapt. Toyota’s strategy of pitting early to switch to intermediate tires paid off, allowing the #8 car to build a lead. Ferrari’s gearbox issue occurred during this phase, dropping the #51 car to fifth before a late recovery.

A dramatic moment came in the 12th hour when Cadillac’s #31 car suffered a fuel pressure issue, costing it a full lap. The incident highlighted the race’s unforgiving nature, where a single mistake can erase hours of work.

By the final laps, Toyota’s drivers were focused on preserving their lead. “We knew we had to be careful,” said Sébastien Buemi. “The margin was small, and we couldn’t afford any mistakes.”

Looking Ahead: The Road to Fuji and Beyond

The 2024 Le Mans 24 Hours was the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Toyota Racing now heads to the Fuji Speedway 6 Hours in Japan (October 5–6, UTC+9), where it will face Ferrari, BMW, and Cadillac again.

Ferrari, despite its struggles, remains the favorite for the WEC title. With three races remaining, the Scuderia must address its reliability issues before the season finale at Bahrain International Circuit (November 15–17).

Toyota, meanwhile, will look to maintain its momentum. “We’re not resting on our laurels,” said Vasselon. “The season isn’t over, and we’re focused on securing another championship.”