Ferrari’s Triumphant Day: Kubica, Ye, and Shwartzman Claim First Victory at COTA
In a nail-biting finish at the Circuit of the Americas, the #83 AF Corse Ferrari hypercar clinched its first victory outside of Le Mans, marking a historic moment for the privateer team. The trio of Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye, and Robert Shwartzman showcased exceptional skill and teamwork to overcome early setbacks and secure the top spot on the podium.
A Redemption Story
For Kubica and Ye, this win was particularly sweet, serving as redemption for their heartbreaking loss at Le Mans in 2021. Kubica shared, “It’s a special moment, especially compared to when we lost Le Mans last year because of a drink system issue.” This victory demonstrates the resilience and determination of the team to bounce back from past disappointments.
Strategic Mastery and On-Track Battles
The race was far from straightforward, with the team facing early challenges that forced them to adjust their tire strategy. Ye had to contend with hard tires during his stint, making it difficult to fend off faster cars on fresher rubber. He explained, “It was tough for me to keep the faster cars on fresher tires behind, but I managed to give the car in the lead to our fast teammate.”
Shwartzman’s performance in the closing stages was particularly impressive. He had to manage a sliding car while defending against a charging Kamui Kobayashi in the Toyota. “The last laps were something special,” Shwartzman recounted. “The car was really difficult to drive, sliding and drifting all over the place.”
A Team Effort
All three drivers emphasized the importance of teamwork in securing the victory. Kubica praised his teammates, saying, “Rob did a really good start and pulled the gap. Ye did a really good job defending from Nick for like 15 laps.” This collaborative effort allowed them to capitalize on Toyota’s drive-through penalty and claim the top spot.
Looking Ahead
When asked about their prospects in the Hypercar World Cup, the team remained focused on race-by-race performance rather than overall standings. Ye stated, “We don’t think about it. When we race, we race overall.” This approach suggests that fans can expect more thrilling battles in the remaining races of the season.
A Historic Day for Ferrari
This victory holds special significance for Ferrari, coinciding with their Formula 1 success on the same day. Ye noted, “It’s great that I’m in a position to witness Ferrari winning both in Formula 1 and in WEC today. It’s really a historical moment for the team.”
As the FIA World Endurance Championship season progresses, all eyes will be on the AF Corse Ferrari team to see if they can maintain this momentum and challenge for more victories. With their blend of experience, speed, and strategic acumen, they’ve proven themselves a force to be reckoned with in the hypercar class.
