Red Bull wants to enter the new hydrogen class for the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Red Bull will play a key role at Le Mans in 2024 after its Advanced Technologies company wins the contract to design the ‘Hydrogen Class’ chassis.

Red Bull will collaborate with renowned French endurance racing team and automaker ORECA on the next generation of hydrogen-powered cars after being selected by the organizers of Le Mans, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.

Article further under video

ORECA’s design and manufacturing skills, as well as its knowledge and experience in endurance racing, will come to fruition.

Red Bull Advanced Technologies, Red Bull Technology’s external high-tech solution unit, will use its F1 expertise in aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, simulation technology and energy recovery optimization to support the project.

Christian Horner, CEO of Red Bull Advanced Technologies, said: “I am very pleased that Red Bull Advanced Technologies has been selected by the ACO together with our partners ORECA to develop the concept of a hydrogen-powered endurance racing car for Le Mans.

“Red Bull Advanced Technologies is well equipped to meet the challenge of the ACO. It has access to many of the tools used in the design and development of the Red Bull Racing F1 car, as well as extensive experience with other cutting-edge vehicles Vehicle programs.

“The hydrogen class at Le Mans offers an exciting glimpse into the future of sustainable motorsport and promises both to advance the use of hydrogen in transport and to drive exciting races.”

Red Bull and ORECA will first carry out and provide a detailed feasibility study for the vehicle concept. Together with the two companies, Plastic Omnium will jointly supply the hydrogen fuel tanks intended for use in racing prototypes.

ACO President Pierre Fillon said: “This exciting announcement confirms the appeal of Mission H24 and offers a bright future for low-carbon motorsport and hydrogen prototypes.

“Thanks to ORECA, a mainstay of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for many years, and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, a successful motorsport company, the ACO will benefit from extensive experience in endurance racing combined with state-of-the-art technology to ensure outstanding performance.” Hydrogen class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.

“This partnership confirms that the ACO has made the right decisions for the future of motorsport and underlines our ambition to drive carbon-free races for future generations.

“We are excited to welcome ORECA and Red Bull Advanced Technologies together with Plastic Omnium, manufacturer of the hydrogen-class fuel tank.

“With these high profile auto companies on board, the auto manufacturers’ interest is likely to increase, especially those who regularly contribute to our hydrogen workgroup.

“We live in difficult times, but the ACO is resolutely pursuing its path towards low-carbon racing and mobility.”