Porsche’s 2024 season got off to an auspicious start, with a resounding victory at the 24 Hours of Daytonaas part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This success has breathed optimism into the upcoming FIA WEC World Endurance Championship campaign. A dynamic confirmed from the 1812 Km of Qatar (inaugural round of the season) where the #6 Porsche 963 of Kévin Estre, André Lotterer and Laurens Vanthoor took victory.
Consistency was then the key word during the 6 Hours of Imola, with second and third places for the two official cars. These performances propelled Porsche Penske Motorsport favorite for the 24 Hours of Le Manswhere three factory prototypes were entered. Roger Penske’s team could then hope for a triumphant return to the top of the greatest endurance race in the world.
Hopes dashed at Le Mans
Despite the Hyperpole achieved by the #6 Porsche 963, the classic at Le Mans proved more difficult than expected. Questionable strategic choices on tires and a top speed lower than Ferrari and Toyota have slowed down Porsche’s ambitions.
The #6 finished just off the podium, the #5 finished sixth and the #4 was forced to retire after going off the track. This result, although honorable, left a bitter taste. Urs Kuratledirector of the Hypercar program admitted: “We were very close to a big success. That said, we must recognize that we were not completely free of errors during the race. » For his part, Kevin Estre could not hide his disappointment: “This is not the result we were aiming for. We were there to win. We must continue to learn and come back stronger next year. »
After the disillusionment at Le Mans, Porsche Penske Motorsport bounced back with solid results. At the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo, the two Porsches took the second and third steps of the podium. The victory of the #6 at the 6 Hours of Fuji confirmed the team’s progress, marking a turning point in the season. Porsche entered the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain, the final round of the championship, at the top of the manufacturer’s standings. But Toyota Gazoo Racing was able to turn the situation around, winning the title. Despite this, the Estre-Lotterer-Vanthoor trio consoled themselves with the world title among driversa major result which demonstrates the growing power of the program.
2025: a clear objective
Thomas LaudenbachVice President of Porsche Motorsport, welcomed the progress made: “Compared to 2023, we have made significant progress in all areas. We brought the Porsche 963 and the entire program to the top in a short time. » Despite this, the results for 2024 remain tinged with disappointment. Victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the keystone of glory for Porsche, is missing.
In 2025, Porsche is focused on one overarching goal: achieve a 20th victory at Le Mans. With, at least, two factory cars confirmed and reshuffled crewsthe Stuttgart brand intends to capitalize on its achievements while correcting its weaknesses.
If 2024 did not fully meet expectations, it nevertheless marks an important milestone for Porsche in the FIA WEC. With undeniable victories against tough competition and a driver’s title, the German manufacturer has laid the foundations for next season. But to reconnect with its legend, Porsche will have to transform promises into results, where it matters most: the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
