GT and sports car driver Cédric Sbirrazzuoli died on Thursday, August 20, the day of his 39th birthday. While official team statements initially refrained from detailing the cause, reports confirmed he passed away following a battle with cancer.
The news was first shared publicly by AF Corse, Ferrari’s long-time customer team, in an emotional social media tribute.
“You were a highly talented, determined, and professional driver, with the passion and the desire to win that belong only to those who truly love racing,” the Italian squad stated. “But you were also so much more: an authentic, respectful, and radiant person, capable of bringing genuine enthusiasm and your own special way of living your passion for motorsport. It was a privilege to work and dream alongside you. Your race came to an end far too soon. Your memory will continue to race forever. Our thoughts and deepest affection are with your wife, your parents, and all your loved ones.”
Born in Monaco in 1987, Sbirrazzuoli launched his racing career in single-seaters in 2005 before transitioning to sports cars in the Porsche Carrera Cup and GT4 European Cup. He secured the Trofeo Maserati title in 2011 before establishing a long-standing partnership with AF Corse, representing the brand across the European Le Mans Series, Asian Le Mans Series, and GT World Challenge.
In North America, Sbirrazzuoli built a strong presence in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Conquest Racing in 2024, he scored a GTD class podium at the 24 Hours of Daytona and claimed victory at the prestigious Petit Le Mans alongside Manny Franco and Albert Costa.
Sbirrazzuoli’s final professional race appearance came at the 2025 12 Hours of Sebring with Conquest Racing, sharing the cockpit with Franco and Brazilian driver Daniel Serra to claim a seventh-place GTD finish.
Sbirrazzuoli is survived by his wife, Martina, whom he married in June 2025.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Which major races did Cédric Sbirrazzuoli win during his career?
Sbirrazzuoli claimed the GTD class victory at the 2024 IMSA Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, as well as the 2011 Trofeo Maserati World Series title and an Invitational class win at the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour.
2. What was Cédric Sbirrazzuoli’s final professional race?
His final professional outing was the 2025 12 Hours of Sebring in IMSA’s GTD class, driving a Ferrari 296 GT3 for Conquest Racing alongside Daniel Serra and Manny Franco.
3. Which teams was Sbirrazzuoli most closely associated with?
Sbirrazzuoli was primarily recognized for his long-term affiliation with Ferrari customer program AF Corse, as well as his recent IMSA entries with Conquest Racing and Dream Racing.
