Luís Felipe Derani
Work hard and have faith in God
Luís Felipe Derani
Facts about Luís Felipe
- Nationality
- Brazil
- Date of birth
- 12. October 1993
- FIA grading
- Platinum
- With Genesis Magma Racing since
- 2025
- Best result
- 2021 & 2023 IMSA SportsCar Championship titles
Brazilian driver Luis Felipe Derani – better known by the nickname ‘Pipo’ - made his first steps in international racing in single-seater formula in Europe, racing in national series in the UK and Germany before moving up to the European level.
At the same time, he turned his attention to sportscar racing, finding success in the US-based IMSA SportsCar Series. Derani’s four victories in the 12 Hours of Sebring, coming between 2016 and 2023, put him in the company of some of the biggest names in the sport during the race’s 75-year history.
A double IMSA champion, Derani has also been a regular in the WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans paddock, joining forces with various teams in both GT and Prototype categories. However, his 2026 season with Genesis Magma Racing is set to be his first full-season campaign in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Q&A with Pipo
What is your favourite circuit and why?
There is a few favorite circuits I would say. I love Monza. I think it's very historical and I love the long straight lines with the sight of the trees on the side of the track. It’s a very cool race track and I love it. In the USA, there are two very nice tracks, which are Sebring and Road America. In Asia, I would say it's Macau.
So that's not to mention Le Mans, which is also pretty cool so, I guess I have a few favourite ones.
What do you do to focus before a race?
Not much, honestly. I try to prepare the best that I can and know that I'm ready for it. If you get your preparation done properly then, there's not much else you can do.
Which profession would you have chosen if you hadn’t become a racing driver?
I played tennis when I was young and I had to decide between tennis and go karts. Luckily, I chose go karts. But, I think I would have tried to pursue a career in tennis, if I hadn’t become a racing driver. Altough, I don't think I would have been successful because I'm not tall enough, so my serve wouldn't have been so good.
Who is your motorsport idol?
I was just born when he passed away but, it’s Senna. He was a great inspiration for Brazil. He was a great hero for our country. So, I'd say Senna, for sure.
What’s your secret to success?
Work hard and have faith in God.