Bittersweet Victory: Ford v Ferrari’s Unexpected Race Outcome

In a touching finale, James Mangold’s fact-based racing drama titled Ford v Ferrari doesn’t quite unfold as planned for Ken Miles in his Le Mans debut. The film recounts the true tale of Ford’s ambition to conquer the peak of endurance auto racing during the 1960s, portraying driver Ken Miles (played by Christian Bale) and Carroll Shelby (portrayed by Matt Damon), a renowned sports car designer. Initially at odds with each other, their professional rapport evolves into a profound friendship as they strive to outperform Ferrari in the exciting sport. Mangold masterfully interweaves their personal journey with the adrenaline-pumping aspects of sports competition.

The movie “Ford v Ferrari” is one of the greatest racing films ever made, boasting heart-pounding driving sequences that leave viewers in awe. The thrilling 24 Hours of Le Mans race is filled with some of the film’s most exhilarating moments, but it’s more than just action – it carries significant meaning. After Ken and Carroll’s lengthy friendship and partnership, their 24 hours in the limelight offer them an opportunity to demonstrate their years of hard work to the world, and it swiftly becomes apparent that their new vehicle outperforms the Ferraris. However, a bittersweet ending to the race is inevitable for them, even though Ken leads the pack for most of the day.

Who Wins The 24 Hours Of Le Mans Race?

Ken Loses On A Technicality

Despite Ken Miles seemingly set to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans alone, he strategically lets his Ford teammates catch up, aiming for a synchronized finish. Back then, without advanced technology like photo finishes or precise position measuring tools, both Ken and Carroll expected their three cars to be joint winners. However, their plan is thwarted by a minor rule technicality, causing Ken to miss out on the victory, even though he was undeniably the fastest driver in the race.

Even though all three Ford cars reached the finish line simultaneously during the Le Mans race, one of Ken’s teammates began from a slightly lower starting position on the grid. As a result, he was deemed the winner because his total distance covered within the specified timeframe exceeded that of his fellow racers by just a few feet. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is unique as it focuses on the overall distance traveled rather than determining who can travel a fixed distance in the shortest amount of time. Although Ken finished the race alongside his teammates after 24 hours, his accumulated mileage was less, thereby denying him the victory.

Why Did Ken Slow Down?

Ken Initially Seems Reluctant To Let His Teammates Catch Up

Right from the beginning, it’s evident that Ken Miles isn’t content with following the crowd. Carroll offers him some leeway, recognizing his extraordinary talents are worth ruffling a few feathers at Ford. However, not everyone is as understanding. In the movie “Ford v Ferrari”, Leo Beebe is portrayed as the primary adversary, although in reality, he wasn’t that villainous. In the film, he proposes the idea of the three Fords finishing the race together, effectively turning Ken’s triumphant moment into a corporate publicity stunt.

Initially, both Ken and Carroll appear hesitant about adhering to Leo’s plan; however, they eventually yield. This instance where they obey team orders signifies their character development, as they begin to understand and prioritize the broader perspective over their single-minded pursuit of victory.

Ken appreciates being given the chance to compete in the Le Mans race, and he realizes that his future with Ford might hinge on his readiness to cooperate with the higher-ups. It’s plausible that Leo’s strategy included preventing Ken from winning the race, but it remains unclear whether Leo was aware of the rule or not, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.

Why Does Carroll Give Peter The Wrench?

Carroll Struggles To Process Ken’s Death

In essence, Ford v Ferrari primarily revolves around the professional journey of Ken and Carroll at Ford. However, a captivating subplot unfolds through Ken’s personal life, particularly his bond with his son. This emotional aspect of the narrative adds a touching dimension to the story, making Ken’s triumphs even more satisfying and his demise all the more poignant. Tragically, Peter witnesses his father’s fatal accident during a test drive of a new vehicle. In the ensuing months, Carroll encounters Peter again, symbolically passing him a wrench that holds profound emotional significance between Ken and himself. This gesture, by giving Peter the wrench, represents Carroll’s grief and concern for the young boy in his unique way.

Previously in the narrative, Ken hurls the wrench at Carroll, symbolizing their volatile professional bond and friendship. Given that this object is typically used for automotive construction, it’s significant because that’s where their shared interest lies. They may not express or explore feelings beyond their racing camaraderie, yet they have a deeper understanding of each other than many others due to their mutual passion for racing. Initially, Carroll seeks out Ken’s wife at the Miles residence, but he admits to Peter that he’d struggle to articulate his sentiments towards her. The wrench serves as the most heartfelt gesture he can muster.

Is Ford V Ferrari’s Ending Accurate To The True Story?

Mangold’s Sports Drama Makes A Few Changes, Mostly For The Better

Ford v Ferrari, while altering certain aspects of the real-life tale, remains largely truthful to its source – it’s worth noting that in reality, Ken Miles and his Ford teammates were actually ahead of Ferrari at Le Mans ’66. Every historical drama has its unique twists, but Ford v Ferrari deserves recognition for its commendable storytelling fidelity. The film successfully portrays the climactic race’s conclusion and depicts the sad reality of Ken Miles’ untimely death mere months after Le Mans. Like any movie adapting true events, there are some dialogues that have been creatively imagined; however, these conversations resonate with the emotional climax and serve to enhance the film’s poignant ending.

In the movie “Ford v Ferrari,” there are slight alterations in how Ken Miles passes away, which adds an emotional depth and respectful touch to the scene. Historically, Ken was thrown from the car at high speed, raising questions about the mechanical malfunction. By removing this technical puzzle, the film can concentrate more on the emotional aftermath of his demise. Moreover, it’s symbolic that the movie doesn’t depict Ken’s death directly but instead shows Carroll and Peter watching from the trackside. This understated portrayal adds a sense of dignity to the portrayal of a racing icon. The poignant narration by Carroll during Ken’s last drive is beautifully executed as well.

2025-05-09 06:44