Belgian driver Louis Machiels has brought the curtain down on a twenty-year career crowned by four titles with Ferrari. The 2025 GT World Challenge Europe championship finale at Barcelona marked his final appearance on track. Machiels was crowned champion in 2011 and 2012 in the Blancpain Endurance Series GT3 Pro Am class, then again in 2020 in the Blancpain GT Series Europe and in 2022 in the GT World Challenge Europe. 

The last two titles came alongside Andrea Bertolini, the Ferrari official driver, who hung up his helmet and gloves last June after the Monza round. Despite ending his competitive career, Bertolini continues to contribute to the development of Ferrari’s cars and other Prancing Horse-related activities. 

The bond between the two deepened over the years: after sharing the cockpit, Bertolini stayed with Machiels’ as his coach. Now that both have brought their racing careers to a close, Andrea will continue the journey alongside Louis’s son, Jef Machiels, as his mentor.

Louis, looking back, are you satisfied with what you’ve achieved?

“I’m really happy with my career. Of course, a driver always wants a bit more, always wants to win. But in the end, I am happy. I’ve had many podiums and many great races. I’m also very happy with the team, because you can’t achieve anything without a group of professionals behind you. With Amato Ferrari and the entire team, we’ve done a great job. And I was lucky enough to share so many weekends and victories with Andrea Bertolini. Together we won titles and took many podiums, especially at Spa, which for us is a truly unique circuit. It’s been a wonderful career.”

You mentioned Spa, where you also experienced one of the most difficult moments of your career. Can you tell us about it?
“The darkest moment. During the 24 Hours of Spa in 2011, six hours from the finish, we were running second overall. After a pit stop, a mechanic started the engine while the car was still lifted on the jacks. I drove off and later we were shown the black flag. I’d done nothing wrong, but we were disqualified. I was disappointed and angry, because it wasn’t my fault. I went to the stewards and protested, but there was nothing to be done. It was a tough lesson, but you learn from those situations too.”

Is there one victory you remember with the greatest pride?
“Yes, Spa again. The year after that black flag, we came back and won the 24 Hours. That was the greatest victory of my career. The entire team was determined to make amends; we worked incredibly hard, and that time we did it. It was an unforgettable moment. Maybe we were lucky. Of course, you always need a bit of luck. But we fought like mad because we wanted to prove something. Not just me, but the entire team, because everyone had been disappointed with what happened the year before. So for me that was the most beautiful victory.”

This year, the Ferrari 296 GT3 number 52 has bid farewell to two key drivers: first Andrea Bertolini and now you. It’s a season of change for the team. Is it now your son’s time?
“Yes, I think that’s how it should be. My son Jef is still young and has a big opportunity in front of him, working with a top team and a mentor like Andrea Bertolini. But he’ll have to earn everything on his own, through hard work and determination. Motorsport is a tough world, full of young, fast and hungry talents. I’ve given him the opportunity, but now he has to stand on his own two feet.”

So even though you’re leaving racing, the Machiels name will still be on track.
“Exactly. A part of me will remain in this world. I hope I’ll be able to follow him in person, and if not, I’ll follow everything from home, as I’ve always done.”

What has your relationship with Andrea Bertolini meant to you, both on and off the track?
“It’s been special. At first, we were just colleagues, then we became friends and today I’d say we’re like brothers. We know each other deeply; we can talk about everything, including our frustrations, and that’s essential. Open communication was one of the secrets of our success: clearing things up right away and moving forward, always together.”

You also raced in the Ferrari Challenge. What was that experience like for you?
“Wonderful. At the time, the cars were very different from today’s. It’s a competition that really shapes you, even if it’s very different from GT3 racing.”

Of all the Ferraris you’ve driven, which one has stayed closest to your heart?
“The 458 GT3. I love it because I won so much with that model! It was a fantastic car, truly. Every new Ferrari has brought improvements and innovations, but the 458 GT3 had something special, a perfect balance. Today’s cars are much more sophisticated.”

And which circuit do you love the most?

“Well, I’m Belgian… so Spa, of course! But I also really like Imola and Monza. I love the old-school circuits, like Paul Ricard. They have a special character. Winning at Monza, though, is something unique: you race with Ferrari in front of the Prancing Horse Tifosi, and after the race you receive heartfelt letters and messages of congratulations.”

What is it like for a driver to race with Ferrari? What does it feel like?
“It’s a dream for any driver. I’ve raced with other manufacturers, but Ferrari is different: you become part of a family. The passion of the people, the atmosphere, the pride… it’s something only Ferrari can create. You feel part of something bigger.”

And now that you’re retiring, how will you spend your race-free Sundays?
“If there’s a race, I’ll watch it, either from home or at the circuit. But I also have my business to run. If the weather’s nice, I like to go out for a drive in one of my Ferraris and maybe stop somewhere for a good lunch. And who knows, perhaps Andrea Bertolini and I will do something together again, maybe even try out a Formula 1 car just for fun. It would be a dream way to close the circle.”