Ford, the American automotive giant with a rich history in motorsport, has announced its return to the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027 to compete in the prestigious Hypercar category. This marks the brand’s long-awaited comeback to Le Mans after nearly six decades.
The highly anticipated season will pit Ford against a formidable grid including manufacturers such as Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Genesis, Peugeot, Porsche and Toyota, a promising new golden age for WEC.
“I am thrilled that we’re going back to Le Mans and competing at the highest level of endurance racing,” Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Company said. “We are ready to once again challenge the world and go like hell.”
Ford’s return to Le Mans in 2027, after nearly 60 years, reignites the legendary rivalry between Ford and Ferrari, adding a new layer of competition to Ferrari’s current dominance in the Hypercar category. This move serves as a powerful reminder of Ford’s historic achievements in endurance racing, challenging Ferrari and other manufacturers to recognize the American brand’s ability to disrupt the established order once again.
The revival of this iconic battle echoes the fierce competition that began in the 1960s when Ford first sought to dethrone Ferrari’s reign at Le Mans, reminding Ferrari of the deep-rooted rivalry that once redefined motorsport.
Meanwhile, four Time F1 world champion, Max Verstappen, expresses growing interest in endurance racing and continues to spark speculation. With his current contract at Red Bull set to expire in 2028, rumors suggest Verstappen could join Ford in the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. Adding intrigue, his rumored move to Aston Martin—bolstered by the arrival of his former Red Bull designer Adrian Newey—has further fueled speculation about a Le Mans appearance with Aston Martin instead.
The growing buzz around Verstappen’s potential switch to endurance racing aligns perfectly with Ford’s return to the sport. Coupled with its strategic partnership with Red Bull in F1, Ford’s commitment to reclaiming its legacy as a dominant force in motorsport is clearer than ever.
Fans eagerly anticipate this new chapter in Ford’s illustrious racing history, as their return to Le Mans is not just about chasing trophies, but a symbolic revival of the historic rivalry with Ferrari. This competition once defined endurance racing, and Ford’s presence on the track once again will rekindle a battle that helped shape motorsport as we know it today.
English
Spanish