James Calado has fulfilled a lifelong ambition after being crowned world champion.

The 36-year-old British driver – a graduate of the Motorsport UK Academy – has claimed the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship Drivers’ title in the top Hypercar category. Alongside Ferrari team-mates Alessandro Pier Guidi and Antonio Giovinazzi, Calado secured the coveted crown after finishing fourth in the season-ending 8 Hours of Bahrain. Their performance also clinched the Manufacturers’ crown for Ferrari.

“Winning two world titles is truly extraordinary,” said a delighted Calado. “I’m proud to be part of this team, and I’ve fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming world champion with Ferrari.”

Following an extensive karting career and notable success in single-seaters, Calado joined the prestigious Ferrari AF Corse sportscar programme more than a decade ago. He captured the LMGTE Pro category title three times before the Maranello-based team launched its latest Hypercar venture in 2023.

“The journey we’ve taken over these three years has been remarkable,” Calado reflected. “We returned to the top class at Sebring in 2023, taking pole position straight away. Race after race, we demonstrated our progress as a team and unlocked the full potential of a fantastic car like the 499P.”

Over his career with Ferrari, Calado has amassed 27 victories and 62 podium finishes from 130 starts with the Prancing Horse. His greatest triumph prior to this year’s title came in 2024, when he delivered Ferrari’s first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in half a century.

With such an impressive record, it’s little surprise that the Englishman was rewarded with a new multi-year contract ahead of the Bahrain finale.

“I’m delighted to remain in the Ferrari family as an official driver,” he said. “I’ve achieved many successes with the Prancing Horse in recent years, and I’m confident we can cross many more chequered flags together in the future.

“There’s been a lot of speculation about my plans, but the truth is simple — all I’ve ever wanted is to keep racing for Ferrari.”