The 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona delivered a historic victory for Ford, as the Mustang GT3 outpaced Chevrolet’s Corvette in an intense GTD Pro battle. Ford’s driver Frederic Vervisch described the triumph as “historical,” highlighting the Detroit rivalry that fueled the race.
Ford edges out Corvette in a race for the ages
With both manufacturers showcasing their flagship GT cars—the Ford Mustang GT3 and the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R—the battle for supremacy in the GTD Pro category captured the spirit of the Daytona 24 Hours. Ford’s victory marked a monumental achievement in their relatively young GT3 program, which squared off against Corvette Racing’s decades of endurance pedigree.
Reflecting on the rivalry, Vervisch shared, “I think it’s quite historical, the battle between Ford and Chevrolet. Yesterday, Jim Farley [Ford CEO] joked with us, saying, ‘Whatever you do, you have to be in front of Chevrolet.’ That was in our minds the whole time.”
Ford’s strategy: Risky, but rewarding
Despite Corvette Racing’s late surge in pace, Ford’s bold strategy ensured the Mustang GT3 stayed ahead. “We made some very ‘ballsy’ calls,” Vervisch admitted. “The team deserves a lot of credit for out-strategizing Corvette. It was nerve-wracking, but we kept our focus and pulled through.”
The Mustang GT3 team’s precision was evident from qualifying, where Ford locked out the front row. The intense wheel-to-wheel action between the two manufacturers throughout the race proved the Mustang GT3 could match and even surpass the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in a high-stakes endurance setting.
Corvette: A valiant effort falls short
Corvette Racing, with four previous Daytona 24 Hours wins since launching their GT program in 1999, pushed hard in the final hours. Vervisch acknowledged their late pace: “They hide their A Game till the end because suddenly they were a lot faster than yesterday.”
However, Corvette’s clash with BMW midway through the race opened the door for Ford to capitalize. Ford’s ability to avoid similar skirmishes and execute flawless pit strategies paid dividends as they secured a double podium finish.
A new chapter in GT endurance racing
Ford’s win over Corvette underscores the growing intensity of the GTD Pro category, with the Mustang GT3 and Corvette Z06 GT3.R proving themselves among the top contenders in endurance racing. Both cars, along with Ferrari’s 296 GT3, represent a new generation of GT racing machines.
With Ford’s dominance in qualifying and consistency throughout the race, the Mustang GT3 program has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, making this victory a pivotal moment in its journey.
Ford’s Mustang GT3: Leading a new era
As the checkered flag waved, Ford celebrated not only a win but also a statement of intent for the future of GT racing. The rivalry with Chevrolet’s Corvette promises to intensify in the coming years, ensuring fans remain captivated by this iconic American motorsport showdown.
