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Ford v Ferrari

Ford v Ferrari is a 2019 American biographical sports drama film directed by James Mangold.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ford v Ferrari is a 2019 American biographical sports drama film directed by James Mangold. It stars Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles, and is based on Ford’s effort to build a race car capable of defeating Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.

Plot and historical basis

The film is based on the real-world Ford effort to develop a race car that could defeat Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966. It focuses on the collaboration between Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles under corporate pressure.

Production

Ford v Ferrari was directed by James Mangold and written by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Jason Keller. 20th Century Studios lists it as a 2 hour 35 minute feature film.

Cast and characters

Matt Damon portrays Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale portrays Ken Miles. The film also features Jon Bernthal, Caitríona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone, and Ray McKinnon.

Release and reception

The film premiered theatrically in 2019 and was released on November 15, 2019. It is commonly classified as an action, drama, or biographical sports film.

Key facts

  • The film dramatizes Ford Motor Company’s challenge to Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing.
  • The story centres on automotive designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles.
  • It is set around the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.
  • Jon Bernthal, Caitríona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone, and Ray McKinnon appear in supporting roles.
  • The film was directed by James Mangold and released in 2019.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed in Canada through international theatrical and streaming releases, and it is relevant to Canadian readers as a major English-language Hollywood sports drama with broad North American availability.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ford v Ferrari about?
It is about Ford’s effort to build a race car that can beat Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, centring on Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles.
Who directed Ford v Ferrari?
James Mangold directed the film.
Who stars in Ford v Ferrari?
Matt Damon and Christian Bale star in the film, with supporting roles played by Jon Bernthal, Caitríona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone, and Ray McKinnon.
When was Ford v Ferrari released?
It was released on November 15, 2019.
Is Ford v Ferrari based on a true story?
Yes. Sources describe it as based on the true story of Ford’s racing program and the Le Mans effort.
What is the alternate title of Ford v Ferrari?
It is titled Le Mans '66 in some European countries.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_v_Ferrari
    Supports: Basic film identification, alternate title, cast, plot, director, writers.
  2. 20th Century Studios — https://www.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/ford-v-ferrari
    Supports: Official release date, runtime, director, writers, cast, genre, and synopsis.
  3. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/ford-v-ferrari/umc.cmc.6f6qe9muhuw7g21639iajetn1
    Supports: Synopsis and identification as a film based on a true story.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ford_v_ferrari
    Supports: Genre classification, synopsis, and release date.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1950186/
    Supports: Plot summary and cast.
  6. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1950186/faq/
    Supports: Basic film facts and genre labels.