The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season is about to get underway, with anticipation building ahead of the opening round in Italy. The championship will kick off at the historic Imola circuit, where Ferrari arrives ready to defend the title it secured last season with its highly competitive 499P Hypercar.
The Italian manufacturer has confirmed all three driver line-ups that delivered remarkable success in recent years, including victories in the last three editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The No. 51 factory Ferrari will once again be driven by reigning world champions Antonio Giovinazzi, Alessandro Pier Guidi, and James Calado. Meanwhile, the No. 50 Ferrari will feature Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen, forming another strong and experienced trio.
In addition, the customer team AF Corse will field the distinctive yellow Ferrari, often referred to as the “Giallona.” This entry will be driven by Robert Kubica, Ye Yifei, and Philip Hanson, who will be aiming to defend their 2025 Le Mans victory and continue Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing.
The Imola event will also welcome a prominent Formula 1 guest. Current Formula 1 championship leader and Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will play a ceremonial role during the weekend, as he is set to wave the chequered flag at the end of the 6 Hours of Imola, adding further prestige to the season opener.
The 2026 edition of this race marks a pivotal moment in the endurance calendar, blending high-tech hybrid performance with the raw emotion of Italian racing heritage. With Andrea Kimi Antonelli overseeing the final moments of the race, the event bridges the gap between the sprint intensity of Formula 1 and the grueling demands of the WEC. For Ferrari, securing a win at Imola would not only solidify their championship lead but also show to their rivals in both the WEC and the F1 world, where Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are constantly striving for excellence.
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