The Iron Dames’ quest for a podium at Le Mans

Every June, the 24 Hours of Le Mans transforms the Circuit de la Sarthe into the ultimate theatre of endurance racing where speed, precision, and grit are tested to their absolute limits.

Over the past two editions of Le Mans, the Iron Dames have driven with their hearts on their sleeves. They’ve fought at the very front of the pack, led stints against motorsport’s most revered teams, and inspired fans in the grandstands and beyond.

Yet cruelly, and through no fault of their own, a coveted podium finish at the world’s greatest endurance race has remained just out of reach.

As they now look towards the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2025, their seventh consecutive entry, the Iron Dames are more determined than ever to overcome adversity.

2023: A battle fought to the final hour

In 2023, Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey and Michelle Gatting enjoyed one of the team’s most fruitful FIA World Endurance Championship campaigns to date behind the wheel of the Porsche 911 RSR-19.

The LMGTE Am class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year was a white-hot battleground: four cars traded places at the front of the field in a relentless, 24-hour duel.

Through a treacherous opening phase marked by heavy rain and endless caution periods, the Iron Dames showcased their hallmark composure as they fought among the frontrunners into nightfall.

As the clock edged closer to the final hour, they sat in a strong podium position. But in endurance racing, fate often reserves its cruellest twists for the final moments.

An essential brake change inside the final 60 minutes saw the pink Porsche lose crucial track position, slipping to fourth by the chequered flag.

It was their best result at Le Mans so far and one the team were thrilled to achieve, but left a lingering sense of “what might have been.”

“Finishing so close to the podium after fighting for the lead for so long is painful,” admitted Sarah Bovy in the aftermath.

2024: New era, familiar heartbreak

One year later, the Iron Dames faced a new challenge: the all-new LMGT3 category. It wasn’t the most ideal of starts, with the team having narrowly missed out on making it through to Hyperpole, so Sarah, Rahel and Michelle started ninth on the grid.

With 24 hours ahead of them though, it was still all to play for and a stunning strategy call in the early rain and a defiant stint from Rahel propelled them into podium contention within hours.

Then came another cruel twist of fate. While running in third, now with Sarah Bovy at the wheel, a collision with a Penske Porsche cost the team around a minute and forced them onto the back foot as night fell.

The team responded as they always do with unwavering determination. Having survived the wet and challenging night stint, they had charged back into podium contention by the morning.

But more rain, lengthy Safety Car periods and challenging track conditions ultimately saw them cross the line fifth.

Just like in 2023, it was a result to be celebrated, full of pride, but again accompanied by the knowledge that fortune had not smiled upon the Iron Dames at Le Mans.

“This was the best we could have hoped for,” reflected Sarah. “We’ll have to hopefully come back and try to finish on the podium.”

2025: Turning determination into destiny

For those who’ve followed the Iron Dames’ Le Mans journey, one thing is clear: these near misses haven’t broken their spirit. They have forged it.

Each pitstop heartbreak, Safety Car setback and split-second twist of fate has only deepened the resolve of this remarkable team. They return to Le Mans in 2025 not with regret, but with renewed hunger.

With a year of LMGT3 learning behind them, powerful partnerships with TotalEnergies, Porsche and Mathey, as well as a team united by an unshakeable bond, they approach this year’s race poised for another charge at history.

Together, Rahel, new team-mate Célia Martin and Sarah – drafted in to substitute for an injured Michelle Gatting – will take on the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In 2025, the dream remains the same. The car is ready. The drivers are ready. And perhaps, this time, luck might shine on the Iron Dames trio.

READ MORE: 24 Hours of Le Mans 2025, a guide to the world’s greatest endurance race