6 January 2026motorsportInterviewRace report
Pier Guidi urges young drivers to see WEC as a realistic route, says gap with F1 narrowing
Ferrari’s Alessandro Pier Guidi says the World Endurance Championship, boosted by LMDh/LMH rules and OEM backing, is now the sport’s second‑biggest series and a route for drivers who can’t enter Formula 1.
Ferrari factory driver Alessandro Pier Guidi says the World Endurance Championship (WEC) is now the sport’s second‑biggest series and a realistic career path for drivers who can’t land a Formula 1 seat. He credits the LMDh/LMH rules, strong manufacturer backing and Ferrari’s return for closing the performance gap with F1.
Why it matters:
- WEC’s hybrid hypercars now match F1 tech, giving drivers real‑world experience with cutting‑edge power units.
- With only 20 F1 seats and rising costs, endurance racing offers a top‑tier platform for talent to showcase speed and stamina.
The details:
- Pier Guidi, 42, turned to endurance racing after funding fell short; the move saved his career.
- Since joining Ferrari in 2017 he has won Le Mans overall, a Hypercar world title and multiple GT championships.
- New LMDh/LMH rules have drawn OEMs like Porsche, Cadillac, Hyundai and Ferrari, deepening competition and raising the series’ profile.
What’s next:
- Pier Guidi urges young drivers to view a WEC seat as a launchpad, not a fallback, and to target manufacturer academies that feed both endurance and F1 programmes.
- The 2025‑2026 season will feature more hybrid power units and expanded TV coverage, further closing the performance gap with Formula 1.