The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) returns to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this weekend for the pivotal Lone Star Le Mans, with all eyes on the Hypercar field as championship battles intensify in every class.
Hypercar: Title Deciders and Unpredictability
This year’s Hypercar contest is marked by significant shifts in Balance of Performance (BoP), creating a climate of unpredictability and scrutiny. Ferrari AF Corse lead the championship, with Antonio Giovinazzi, James Calado, and Alessandro Pier Guidi on 105 points, closely pursued by the #83 AF Corse entry of Kubica, Yifei Ye, and Pipo Hanson (93 points). Cadillac and Porsche are next in the standings, but both face uphill tasks, especially given the new BoP schedule announced for Austin, which has already generated debate after dramatic swings in pace hampered Ferrari and Toyota in recent rounds. Toyota remain winless at COTA, and Conway’s injury has forced José María López to deputise in the #7 GR010 HYBRID. The last race here saw Toyota lose a sure victory to a penalty, allowing AF Corse Ferrari to take the win after a close strategic battle.
BMW, Alpine, Peugeot, and rookies Aston Martin are all chasing their maiden Hypercar wins, with BMW and Alpine showing flashes of pace in recent races but lacking consistency. The technical mix of high-speed sectors and heavy braking zones at COTA promises a challenge for set-up, tyre management, and pit stop strategy across the Hypercar roster
LMGT3: American Ambitions
In LMGT3, Porsche Manthey leads the class with 89 points, chased by Vista AF Corse Ferrari and TF Sport Corvette. Lexus, bolstered by its breakthrough maiden win last time out, returns with confidence, but the Iron Dames, McLaren, Corvette, and Ford are all seeking the elusive US class victory. The diversity in LMGT3 field and the challenging nature of the COTA layout are likely to favour teams who execute consistent, error-free stint
Looking Back: 2024 at COTA
Last year’s Lone Star Le Mans saw AF Corse Ferrari clinch victory after a late penalty for Toyota, capping a race defined by strategic tyre stints and a hard-fought duel to the flag. The result reshuffled the championship, highlighting the critical role of race discipline and stewards’ interventions.
What to Expect: COTA 2025
The six-hour race at COTA comes at a pivotal stage of a WEC season characterised by BoP drama, new manufacturer ambitions, and a congested championship battle, particularly in Hypercar. With BoP changes and driver substitutions amplifying the sense of unpredictability, attention will focus on Ferrari’s ability to sustain pace, Toyota’s pursuit of a breakthrough win on US soil, and whether Cadillac or Porsche can capitalise as rivals falter.
All classes face a technically demanding circuit, extensive traffic, and a need for near-perfect execution. With championship momentum at stake, COTA is likely to deliver further twists in an already volatile WEC season.
