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Motorsport

Ferrari Dominates Le Mans Again, Porsche Fights from Back to Podium

The 93rd running of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans once again proved that endurance, strategy, and grit matter far more than qualifying pace. In a dramatic race that ran nearly uninterrupted and at full intensity, Ferrari clinched its third consecutive victory—this time courtesy of the private (yet highly competitive) AF Corse team, with drivers Robert Kubica, Louis Delétraz Hanson, and Ye Yifei piloting the #83 499P Hypercar to glory.

Starting far from the front, the trio methodically climbed the ranks, ultimately completing 387 laps of the grueling Circuit de la Sarthe. Former Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica, who spent nearly 10 hours behind the wheel, finally claimed a long-coveted Le Mans win after years of near-misses and heartbreaks.

In a race where pole position quickly became irrelevant, Porsche delivered one of the most impressive performances of the weekend. The #6 963 Hypercar, driven by Vanthoor, Estre, and Campbell, started dead last in the Hypercar class due to a disqualification in qualifying. But after a relentless charge through the field and a fierce duel in the closing hours, they finished just 14 seconds behind the leading Ferrari—a remarkable result and a testament to Porsche’s resilience.

A factory-entered Ferrari secured the final step on the podium, continuing the Scuderia’s dominance in the current FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season, in which they’ve already collected three wins before arriving in France.

Meanwhile, Cadillac, BMW, and Toyota endured a frustrating race. Despite Cadillac’s strong qualifying form and high hopes, none of their entries were able to challenge for podium positions. BMW also struggled with pace and reliability. Toyota, once the benchmark of endurance racing, faced multiple setbacks, finishing well outside the top tier. Aston Martin, making its debut in the Hypercar class this year, showed potential but will need more time to contend for top honors.

In the LMGT3 class, Porsche found redemption as the #92 911 GT3 R of Manthey EMA (1st Phorm team), driven by Hardwick, Pera, and Lietz, secured a hard-fought victory after completing 341 laps. Ferrari’s 296 GT3, campaigned by the Vista AF Corse team, took second place, while the vibrant yellow Corvette Z06 GT3.R from TF Sport, piloted by Rompuy, Andrade, and Eastwood, claimed third.

This latest victory brings Ferrari to 12 total Le Mans wins, inching them closer to Audi’s 13. But the king of Le Mans remains Porsche, still holding the all-time record with 19 victories. After falling just short this year, the Stuttgart marque will undoubtedly return in 2026 eager to chase its historic 20th win.

As the sun sets on another thrilling edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the message remains clear: endurance racing is as much about persistence and teamwork as it is about speed—and in 2025, no one embodied that better than Ferrari and its #83 crew.

Source: Ferrari; Photo: Reuters

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Ferrari Dominates Le Mans Again, Porsche Fights from Back to Podium
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AI Extends Battery Life in Porsche’s Next-Gen Electric Vehicles

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the automotive industry, and Porsche is at the forefront of this transformation. As vehicles become increasingly digital and electric, AI has emerged as a vital tool in managing complex systems—particularly high-voltage battery storage.

Modern electric vehicles are equipped with a vast array of sensors that generate massive amounts of data. Traditional software systems can no longer handle this volume efficiently. Porsche leverages machine learning and AI to sift through this data, uncovering valuable insights about battery performance, aging, and safety.

High-voltage batteries are intricate systems influenced by a range of internal and external factors. Porsche engineers now use AI to better understand how these influences affect the battery’s energy system. This analysis helps identify anomalies and optimize the design and operation of the battery—ultimately enhancing vehicle performance and longevity.

One of the most significant breakthroughs is AI’s ability to detect irregularities in the battery early in the development process. By analyzing the charge balance—known as “balancing”—between individual battery cells, AI algorithms can spot deviations that suggest deeper issues. This insight accelerates troubleshooting and improves the reliability of battery data gathered from real-world driving.

AI also plays a key role in identifying previously unknown contributors to battery aging. Using advanced analytics and physicochemical modeling, Porsche can forecast how batteries will degrade over time. This enables developers to fine-tune performance criteria such as charging speed, range, weight, and durability.

To ensure transparency and trust, Porsche employs “explainable AI” methods. These tools allow engineers to clearly understand how conclusions are drawn from complex data, ensuring every decision is grounded in reliable, interpretable insights.

A standout innovation is Porsche’s “preventive anomaly detection,” used for the first time in the upcoming electric Macan. This system analyzes battery behavior in real time, identifying anomalies in individual cells and assessing their technical relevance. If an issue is found, Porsche proactively informs the driver via the MyPorsche app, offering tailored guidance.

By combining cutting-edge AI with engineering expertise, Porsche is setting new standards in electric vehicle development. The result: longer battery life, enhanced safety, and smarter, more responsive vehicles for customers worldwide.

Source: Porsche

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Porsche Unveils One-of-a-Kind Road-Legal 963 RSP

In a stunning display of innovation and heritage, Porsche has officially revealed the 963 RSP, a unique, road-legal version of its Le Mans Daytona hybrid (LMDh) race car. The bespoke model made its public debut ahead of this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, celebrating the brand’s rich endurance racing legacy while pushing the limits of what’s road-worthy.

The 963 RSP, built on the championship-winning LMDh platform, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the commission for the original road-going Porsche 917—a machine that famously clinched Le Mans victories in 1970 and 1971. This modern tribute carries not only a nod to that heritage but also a deeply personal name: “RSP,” standing for Roger Searle Penske, the 88-year-old motorsport icon and head of Porsche Penske Motorsport.

The RSP project was born during a meeting at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, where executives from Porsche Cars North America, Porsche Motorsport, and Porsche Penske Motorsport floated the idea of ​​crafting a street-legal 963. The vision was shared with Penske himself and team manager Jonathan Diuguido, setting the wheels in motion for a feat of engineering and design rarely seen in modern motorsport.

Making a prototype LMDh racer roadworthy is no small task. The transformation involved extensive mechanical and cosmetic modifications. The 963 RSP is painted, not wrapped—a first for this car line—in a triple-layer Martini Silver, as referenced by archival Porsche Museum documents. Delicate black satin detailing, including custom-painted hinges and wing connectors, brings refinement to the racing beast’s aggressive lines.

Notable exterior changes include unique fender vents, removal of racing-specific wing skid plates, and an enamel Porsche crest affixed to the nose. Number plate mounts were added to meet legal requirements, and a 3D-printed rear badge crowns the car’s exclusivity.

The cabin, originally stripped for racing, has been luxuriously reimagined with brown leather and Alcantara adorning the seats, dashboard, headliner, and steering wheel. Porsche even 3D printed a detachable cup holder, proving that even hypercar interiors can find moments of practicality.

Mechanically, the 963 RSP underwent dramatic changes. Its Multimatic DSSV suspension was softened to improve ride comfort, and the chassis was raised to its maximum height. New Michelin tires, a functional horn, and additional bodywork around the wheel arches help meet road compliance.

Perhaps the most challenging adaptation was reconfiguring the hybrid drivetrain. Engineers reprogrammed the Motor Generator Unit (MGU) for smoother power delivery and adapted the powertrain to run on standard petrol, an effort Porsche described as a “significant undertaking.”

Despite its ability to roam public roads, the Porsche 963 RSP remains a one-off. It was driven on the streets surrounding the Circuit de la Sarthe by two-time Le Mans winner Timo Bernhard, adding another layer of legacy to this already historic vehicle.

After its Le Mans showcase, the RSP will take center stage at the Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​in July, where it will appear alongside the original Porsche 917 that inspired its creation. Eventually, it will settle into its permanent home at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, preserved as a one-of-a-kind blend of motorsport triumph and road-going ambition.

Source: Porsche

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Porsche Unveils One-of-a-Kind Road-Legal 963 RSP