Miguel Molina had the best year of his career in 2024, with a victory in the 24 hours of Le Mans that catapulted him into an elite group of Spanish pilots, including Marc Gené and Fernando Alonso. This achievement not only marked a milestone for Molina but also brought him close to joining Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz as the only Spanish World Champions in the FIA. For Ferrari, 2024 was significant as well, as the brand seeks to add a World Crown to its collection, a title it hasn’t achieved since the 70s. With 12 titles in Sport Prototypes, Ferrari is no stranger to success, and its story demands continued excellence.
Looking back, Molina reflects on the year with pride, noting that defending the Le Mans crown is not just a goal but a historical fact that drives him. “Le Mans is Le Mans, and once you’re there, you want to win it every time,” he says. The challenge of defending the title is significant, but Molina emphasizes the importance of regularity throughout the year and minimizing mistakes, which cost them dearly in the previous season.
The continuity of the team, with all pilots renewed, is seen as a point in favor of the project, bringing constancy, regularity, and trust that can lead to better results. Molina believes that the selection of pilots has been right and has paid off, given that all six pilots in the championship have won Le Mans. However, he’s aware that the competition will be fierce, with BMW, Alpine, and Cadillac posing significant challenges. The entry of Aston Martin, with its non-hybrid engine, adds another layer of complexity, and Molina waits to see how their project unfolds, acknowledging that every brand must be taken into account.
Molina also touches on the rivalry with Spanish counterparts, like Álex Palou and Banco, noting that the high level of Spanish pilots in motor racing is a beautiful thing, representing healthy competition. The presence of these pilots in top categories is a testament to the importance of motoring in Spain.
The recent buzz around Ferrari, particularly with the potential signing of Lewis Hamilton, has put the team under the spotlight. Molina finds it incredible to have a pilot of Hamilton’s caliber and quality in the group, describing the situation as a “cherry on the cake” that could lead to historic achievements. While it’s early to notice any changes, the expectations are high, and the impact of Hamilton’s potential move is already being felt. Molina values Hamilton’s figure highly, seeing him as an icon for many current pilots, and believes that the Hamilton-Ferrari combination could be the key to making history, especially if they achieve what everyone hopes for. This would not only cement Hamilton’s legacy but also add another chapter to Ferrari’s storied history.