Ferrari Triumphs in Bahrain: A Rollercoaster Finale for WEC 2025
In a thrilling showdown that concluded the 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC) season, the Bahrain 8 Hours race became a stage for drama, heartbreak, and unyielding determination. As the dust settled, Ferrari emerged as the undeniable champion, clinching both the manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles, while other giants faced a stark reality check.
Ferrari: The Crown Jewels of Endurance Racing
Ferrari’s success in Bahrain was nothing short of spectacular. The iconic Italian brand executed a masterful race strategy, culminating in a podium sweep that left the competition in the dust. With a 3rd and 4th place finish, Ferrari didn’t just focus on racing; they orchestrated a symphony of speed and precision. Antonello Coletta, Ferrari’s head of endurance, stated, “We focused on the race and we’re happy with our pace,” and rightly so.
The team’s performance was a testament to their resilience, marking their first podium since the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours. With Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi securing the top three positions in the drivers’ championship, Giovinazzi exclaimed, “This is a fantastic day that none of us will ever forget.” Ferrari has not only taken back the manufacturers’ title but has also etched its name in history, celebrating its first world crown in the top class since 1972.
Porsche’s Disastrous Farewell
On the other end of the spectrum, Porsche’s farewell to the WEC was nothing short of disastrous. With a disheartening finish of 13th and 14th, the Porsche 963 struggled under the Balance of Performance regulations, leaving fans and team members in shock. “This was, for the foreseeable future, our final appearance in the World Endurance Championship,” lamented Jonathan Diuguid, managing director of Porsche Penske Motorsport. The team’s hopes of a triumphant exit evaporated as they surrendered second place in the standings to Toyota, a bitter pill to swallow for the storied brand.
Toyota’s Redemption: A Season to Remember
Despite not claiming the championship, Toyota proved they still have what it takes to dominate the track. The team secured a 1-2 finish, with the #7 GR010 Hybrid of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries leading the pack. “It’s been a very tough season, and we had to wait until the last round to enjoy a result like this,” Kobayashi said, reflecting on a season filled with ups and downs. Toyota’s impressive performance in Bahrain allowed them to escape the embarrassment of finishing without a podium in 2025, a small victory for the veteran team.
BMW and Aston Martin: A Tale of Woe
Meanwhile, BMW M Team WRT faced yet another disappointing end to their season, finishing 8th and failing to score significant points since Le Mans. Team principal Vincent Vosse expressed the team’s frustration, stating, “We need to understand why we’ve been lacking so much performance since Le Mans.” The results echoed their struggles, leaving them in fifth place in the manufacturers’ standings.
Aston Martin, too, felt the sting of disappointment, finishing 7th and 15th after showing initial promise during qualifying. Tom Gamble noted the bittersweet nature of their season, while Alex Riberas led early laps but ultimately couldn’t secure a podium finish.
Cadillac’s Resilience Amidst Challenges
Cadillac’s performance in Bahrain was a surprise highlight, with the #12 V-Series.R finishing 6th despite facing performance challenges. Alex Lynn emphasized their determination, stating, “I didn’t leave anything on the table.” Although Jenson Button’s career ended on a sour note with a 13th place finish, Cadillac secured a commendable fourth in the championship overall.
Peugeot and Alpine: A Season of Missed Opportunities
Peugeot’s race ended disappointingly with a 9th and 10th place finish, despite starting from a promising second row. Jean-Marc Finot, Stellantis Motorsport vice president, expressed disappointment over their strategies not panning out. Meanwhile, Alpine’s hopes to build on their Fuji win fell flat, ending the season with a frustrating 11th and 12th finish. Vice president Bruno Famin maintained a positive outlook, stating, “We’ve been reliable, we’ve improved, and we’ve taken three podiums.”
As the curtain closes on the WEC 2025 season, one thing is clear: Ferrari has returned to its throne, while rivals must regroup and rethink their strategies for the next chapter. The road to 2026 promises to be filled with fierce competition and the relentless pursuit of glory.








