Yifei Ye has been confirmed as an official Ferrari driver for 2024, ahead of an expected FIA World Endurance Championship drive in a privately-funded AF Corse Hypercar.
The 23-year-old Chinese driver has joined Ferrari as a factory driver for 2024, having spent much of his career with Porsche.
He took part in his first Hypercar season this year with Jota Sport and teammates Antonio Felix Da Costa and Will Stevens, with a best race finish of fourth place at the 8 Hours of Bahrain season finale.
After beginning his sportscar journey in 2021 – where he claimed two LMP2 titles – he was promoted by Porsche Motorsport as their Asian Pacific Selected Driver, which led to him becoming the marque’s first Chinese factory driver.
For 2024, he has joined the Maranello brand which is expected to include a seat in the WEC with a privately-funded AF Corse Hypercar drive, in their #83 499P LMH.
Ye said: “When I heard I would be an official Ferrari driver, I was thrilled.
“For me, this is a dream come true. This new sporting chapter opening with the Prancing Horse is definitely a milestone in my career.”
Antonello Coletta, Global Head of Endurance and Corse Clienti, added: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Yifei to Ferrari, a driver who despite his young age has been able to emerge as one of the fastest in the World Endurance Championship.
“Excellent results stand out in Yifei’s endurance racing career; from this starting point, we’re confident that we can build a positive pathway together within the Prancing Horse family.”
Ferrari has said they will confirm Ye’s 2024 programme in due course, as he is expected to team up with Robert Kubica and Scuderia Ferrari F1 reserve driver Robert Schwartzman for the WEC campaign commencing in March, which will include his fourth 24 Hours of Le Mans start on 15-16 June.