Alpine Prepares for Redemption at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans
A year after the disheartening debut of the Alpine A424 at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Alpine Endurance Team is optimistic as they head into the pivotal race this year. Both A424s suffered from early retirements last season due to turbo failures, marking a rough initiation for the French manufacturer.
As the team gears up for the 2025 event, they bring with them two podium finishes from the 2025 season so far, including third places at Imola and Spa thanks to the efforts of their #36 driver trio—Mick Schumacher, Jules Gounon, and Frédéric Makowiecki. This recent success has galvanised their ambitions for Le Mans.
Ferdinand Habsburg, pilot of the #35 car, credits the team’s progress to extensive improvements in the vehicle’s systems, stating, “We’ve made significant advances in damping, mechanical and software aspects. The car feels markedly different compared to last year’s model.”
Both cars not only secured spots in Hyperpole qualifying but have also shown enhanced reliability, a crucial factor after last year’s misfortunes. Team Principal Philippe Sinault highlighted the team’s focus on delivering a solid finish, stating, “Our target is to finish the race this year, given last year’s experience. The confidence is still shaken, and our pace is not yet at the level we aspire to.”
Despite the optimistic outlook, Habsburg acknowledged that the team faces challenges, particularly in handling and cornering performance. He emphasized the need for greater downforce to compete effectively on the circuit: “We need to focus on our cornering capabilities, as top speeds will remain similar across the board.”
The heightened competition within the Hypercar class adds pressure, yet improvements made across the board provide a degree of reassurance. However, as Habsburg sagely noted, "At Le Mans, anything can happen." The team’s evolution from last year’s setback remains at the forefront of their strategy, paired with a resolve to complete the race—an ambition that could serve as a critical turning point for Alpine in endurance racing.
