Monegasque driver Arthur Leclerc is set to make a splash in endurance racing as he debuts at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Representing Ferrari in the GTD class with AF Corse, the younger brother of Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc is eager to prove himself in one of motorsport’s most iconic endurance events.
Leclerc, who shifted gears from single-seaters after concluding his Formula 2 campaign in 2023, is embracing the challenge of endurance racing. Having already impressed Ferrari’s sportscar leadership with a stint in the post-season FIA WEC Rookie Test, the 24-year-old is now aiming to solidify his place in Ferrari’s long-term endurance plans, with dreams of Le Mans glory on the horizon.
Rolex 24: A dream come true
For Leclerc, the Rolex 24 at Daytona is more than just another race—it’s a career milestone.
“I have wanted to do this event since I started in endurance racing,” Leclerc shared. “I can’t thank Antonello [Coletta, Ferrari’s sportscar boss] enough for this opportunity. The atmosphere here is incredible, and the fans are so welcoming.”
Leclerc’s journey into sportscar racing began last year with stints in the European Le Mans Series’ LMP2 class and Italian GT competitions. His rapid adaptation caught Ferrari’s attention, earning him a spot in its prestigious eight-car Daytona attack with the 296 GT3.
A steep learning curve
Leclerc has spent the week immersing himself in the unique demands of Daytona. From navigating the iconic banking to adjusting to night racing, he’s soaking up every detail.
“Racing here is so different from Europe,” he said. “The spotters make it easier to manage traffic, but at night, it’s tough. All you see are lights, and you can’t always tell if it’s a GT or a Hypercar closing in.”
While the challenges are significant, Leclerc has found the experience of driving on the banking during the track walk to be unexpectedly demanding:
“Staying on the banking is harder than I thought, but the track overall is fantastic.”
Building a team for success
Leclerc will share the No. 50 Ferrari 296 GT3 with teammates Conrad Laursen, Riccardo Agostini, and Custodio Toledo. With a mix of experience levels, the team has focused heavily on building cohesion during the test weekend.
“I’ve spent a lot of time working with my teammates,” Leclerc noted. “It’s been great helping Custodio [a Bronze-rated driver] and Conrad [a Silver-rated driver] develop. They’ve made massive progress and are feeling strong.”
However, Leclerc admitted that outright speed remains a concern:
“We’re struggling a bit with pace, but we’re working hard to get the car in a better place for the race. The key will be avoiding errors and penalties.”
Eyes on the finish
For Leclerc, the ultimate goal is to be behind the wheel during the final stint on Sunday as the race reaches its climax.
“Hopefully, I will do the end of the race,” he said. “But we’ll see what the final plan is. It should be a lot of fun.”
With Ferrari eyeing a strong showing at Daytona and Leclerc’s future in endurance racing potentially hinging on performances like this, all eyes will be on the young driver as he takes on the grueling 24-hour challenge.
