Ford Mulls Over Hybrid Hypercar for Le Mans to Challenge Ferrari

Ford Motor Company is considering a return to the pinnacle of endurance racing with a potential entry into the LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) or LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) class. This news comes amid Ford’s expanding motorsports presence, which includes participation in NASCAR, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), the World Rally Championship (WRC), Australian Supercars, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and a forthcoming entry into Formula 1 alongside Red Bull in 2026.

Mark Rushbrook, global director of the Ford Performance Motorsport Division, hinted at the company’s interest during an interview with Autocar. When asked if Ford was contemplating an entry into the top class of endurance racing, Rushbrook stated that the team is “constantly studying or looking at where we can race, or should race.”

Currently, Ford battles Ferrari and other major manufacturers in WEC with the Mustang GT3. However, the automaker hasn’t competed in the top class of endurance racing since the early 1980s. Ferrari has recently achieved back-to-back wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a feat reminiscent of Ford’s legendary victories with the GT40. A return to the top class could reignite this historic rivalry.

The continued convergence of regulations in FIA sports car racing adds to the appeal of a potential Ford entry. Rushbrook noted that the convergence of GTE and GT LM with GT3 regulations has already benefited Ford, making the Mustang GT3 a viable contender. A similar convergence at the prototype level, allowing LMH and LMDh cars to compete together, presents an opportunity for Ford to re-enter top-flight endurance racing.

Rushbrook did not specify which set of regulations Ford might prefer. The LMH class allows for greater engineering freedom, while the LMDh class mandates more standardized components, including a chassis from one of four constructors and a shared electric motor for hybrid systems.

“You look at the number of manufacturers involved in it, and some choose LMDh while some choose LMH,” Rushbrook said. “So yeah, of course, we’re looking at it, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to tell you what we’ll do.”

A return to Le Mans would be particularly compelling given Ferrari’s recent dominance. Ford’s historical rivalry with Ferrari could add significant drama to the competition, provided Ford can field a competitive hypercar. The automaker’s current motorsports programs suggest it has the capability to do so.

It’s important to note that Ford does not own its race teams outright. Instead, it partners with experienced entities across various disciplines. Finding the right partner could be the key to making Ford’s hypercar aspirations a reality.