Ten starts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans represents a milestone that deserves recognition. Before even stepping into the car, Francesco Castellacci unveiled a special edition of his helmet, which he designed himself, as he has done with all the others to date. “It’s fully chromed,” he explained in the paddock at the Circuit de la Sarthe, “and it recalls my very first helmet, the one I used in Formula Azzurra back in 2004–2005, during my first experience in a single-seater. All the signature elements of the 38-year-old Roman driver’s design are present: “starting with the Lupa (the iconic she-wolf of Roman mythology), symbol of my city, the Tricolore, and the yellow wings referencing the logo of the ACI Sport federal racing school.” There’s also his ever-present number 4 – the day and month of his birth – and a special anniversary inscription: “10 Years Le Mans”, complete with the logo of the iconic French race.

Francesco, let’s be honest; this won’t be just another Le Mans.

“Ten times is objectively a lot. When I first started, I never imagined I’d reach ten editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, nine of them consecutive at the wheel of a Ferrari.”

How have you changed over the years, and how has your approach to this race evolved?

“Le Mans is a race unlike any other. It’s tough, and you can’t just show up unprepared. From my very first time here, I’ve grown in awareness. The more experience you gain, the more you’re able to push, and the better your results. Over the years, I’ve almost always had the chance to fight for the podium: in 2018, we finished second with Thomas Flohr and Giancarlo Fisichella, and on two occasions, we were the highest-placed Ferrari among the many Prancing Horse GT entries. Le Mans was something of a temple for the 488 GTE.”

And what’s the goal this year?

“Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the finish last year. That was our first DNF, and it cost us in the title fight. We’ve had a strong start to the season, with a third-place finish at Spa-Francorchamps being a significant result. Our impressive performances in Qatar and Imola have also positioned us well in the standings. Everything’s in place for success. I don’t want to set a specific target, but it’s clear that the Le Mans result is valuable from many perspectives.”

Let’s go back to your history at Le Mans. How do you prepare?

“At Le Mans, you have to arrive fully prepared, with plenty of training. But that’s something I’ve always done consistently. Keeping fit is just part of who I am. What’s changed – especially this year – is my nutrition. It’s essential to eat well, but even more important to consume the right foods, specifically those tailored to an endurance race like this, where there are numerous stints to complete. So, I’ve changed my diet, and I’ve seen the benefits in my training, particularly on the bike, which is a real passion of mine and the sport that, more than any other, comes closest to the physical demands of a session on track. There’s no other sport, apart from cycling, that really allows you to simulate a three-hour stint in the car, not even running, because it’s hard to maintain that for several hours a day consistently.” 

What’s the toughest stint to handle in a 24 Hours of Le Mans?

“With the experience I’ve built up over these ten years, I’d say the hardest moment to be in the car is around midday on the second day of the race. At that point, the outside temperature rises, fatigue sets in after so many hours, and concentration can start to drop. Dawn might seem like the toughest moment, but in reality, you’re still very focused; you’re coming out of the night hours, the track still has good grip, and it’s cooler… but by midday…”

And your favourite time to drive?

The start isn’t really my favourite moment, partly because I’ve only experienced it two or three times here at Le Mans. For me, the best time is usually around 10 p.m. You get the sunset, and then the lights of the night.

You mentioned nutrition: does that include blueberries to help with night vision?

“Blueberries help, but you can’t just eat four kilos during race week and expect results. It’s more about balance and consistency in your overall diet. I’ve been taking a supplement for the past month or month and a half that’s based on blueberries and other vitamins, specifically designed to support vision and keep the eyes hydrated. That’s crucial because, under strain, your eyes can become red and dry from lack of hydration, so supplementing in that area really makes a difference.”

When you’re not in the car, are you able to rest or switch off mentally?

“You can’t sleep; you rest. After a stint, I usually head back to the motorhome and follow the same routine: shower, eat, and rest, already wearing my base layer so I’m ready when they call me to get back in the car. That way, you’re set to go without wasting time showering again or using up energy putting your gear back on. That’s something I’ve learnt throughout these ten editions of Le Mans.”

What makes Le Mans so unique?

“The fact that you spend ten days here non-stop is already something special. There are numerous on-track sessions, and the atmosphere is truly special. You really feel it’s a legendary, one-of-a-kind race.”

What’s been your best moment here so far? And the toughest?

“The most difficult was definitely last year when we only managed an hour of racing before a collision took us out of the race. The most important, besides the 2018 podium I mentioned, was fifth place in 2023, which earned us crucial points in the championship and helped us finish the season third overall.”

Do you see yourself back at Le Mans in ten years’ time? 

“I hope so. Just as I didn’t set out with the goal of doing ten editions, I don’t have a specific target now, but I do hope to do as many as possible. Every year, you gain experience, and that’s crucial in a race like this. Over the years, we’ve developed a strong foundation of growth and unity with Team Vista AF Corse and Ferrari. And for me, that’s a great source of pride and satisfaction.”

With that, Francesco heads off to take the wheel of his number 54 Ferrari 296 LMGT3 for another track session, though not before proudly showing us his chrome “10 Years Le Mans” helmet up close.