Scuderia Ferrari got here tantalizingly near claiming the Constructors’ Championship this season however in the end fell brief as McLaren secured the title in Abu Dhabi.
The Italian aspect delivered a robust efficiency on the Yas Marina Circuit, with Charles Leclerc charging via the sphere to safe third place, becoming a member of teammate Carlos Sainz, who completed second. This double podium effort highlighted Ferrari’s capacity to push McLaren proper to the wire.
The strain was palpable, particularly after Oscar Piastri misplaced vital time resulting from a collision with Max Verstappen, elevating the chance that any mistake from race chief Lando Norris may need swung the championship in Ferrari’s favor. Regardless of the chances, McLaren held agency, leaving Ferrari to mirror on a formidable but in the end second-place end.
Over the course of the season, Ferrari proved aggressive and adept at minimizing poor outcomes, permitting them to keep up a reputable title problem regardless of McLaren and Crimson Bull having fun with longer durations of dominance. Their victories at marquee occasions resembling Monaco, the place Charles Leclerc dominated, and the Italian Grand Prix, in addition to a win in Austin, showcased the workforce’s capacity to capitalize on alternatives.
Former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe expressed his admiration for Ferrari’s efforts, noting their capacity to impress even with out successful their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008.
Ferrari’s power lay in consistency somewhat than outright velocity, as they hardly ever possessed the quickest automobile on the grid this 12 months. Each Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz demonstrated exceptional ability in extracting the utmost efficiency from the SF-24, even when the automobile was outclassed by rivals.
When one driver faltered, such because the Monegasque driver’s powerful outing in Austria, the opposite stepped up. Carlos Sainz’s third-place end on the Crimson Bull Ring, following a collision between Verstappen and Norris, ensured Ferrari remained a menace.
Scuderia Ferrari’s adaptability throughout various situations was additionally a spotlight. As an illustration, in Mexico Metropolis, they carried out properly regardless of the challenges posed by the excessive altitude, which necessitated a drag-heavy rear wing to counter diminished air density and downforce.
Hinchcliffe believes it was this season-long consistency that enabled Ferrari to mount a reputable problem in opposition to McLaren. Talking on the *Off Observe with Hinch and Rossi* podcast, he emphasised that Ferrari’s capacity to remain aggressive, even with out persistently having the quickest automobile, was a testomony to their resilience and strategic execution: “Ferrari, nice job. Only a few instances this 12 months did they’ve the quickest automobile on a race weekend. That’s truly what’s so spectacular about the truth that they took that factor right down to the final lap of the championship as a result of each their guys have been simply so good at bringing dwelling these fourths to sevenths when their vehicles have been common.” – he identified.
James Hinchcliffe continued: “McLaren had the strongest automobile in a bunch of races. Mercedes had the strongest automobile in a bunch of races. Clearly, Crimson Bull began with the strongest automobile. However Ferrari, you possibly can say Austin, and you’ll have thought Vegas, however then Mercedes confirmed up and blitzed them in Vegas.” – he added.
Ferrari is about for a significant shakeup as Carlos Sainz departs the workforce to affix Williams, following the announcement that Lewis Hamilton will take his place alongside Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season.
Sainz, assured in his talents, believes he’s stronger than Hamilton, his successor at Ferrari. Nonetheless, adapting to Williams’ midfield ambitions could current a problem, particularly because the workforce focuses on rebuilding somewhat than competing for podiums. Sainz’s expertise could possibly be key in serving to Williams transfer ahead, however the adjustment to a unique aggressive setting will undoubtedly take time.
Ferrari, in the meantime, is well-positioned to hold their robust momentum into 2025. Closing the 2024 season on a excessive be aware, the Scuderia now boasts an enviable driver pairing with Leclerc and Hamilton. Each have a wealth of race-winning expertise, making them formidable contenders because the workforce goals to reclaim championship glory.
Elsewhere, the Maranello workforce’s rivals could face challenges of their very own. Crimson Bull might encounter difficulties, notably if Liam Lawson steps as much as associate Max Verstappen. The heightened strain of competing on the entrance of the grid could pose vital hurdles for the younger driver.
Mercedes, too, can be navigating new dynamics with the introduction of Kimi Antonelli. The rookie Italian driver will be part of George Russell, however the steep studying curve of Method 1 might imply a interval of adjustment as Antonelli finds his footing within the prime tier of motorsport.
This inflow of youthful, much less skilled drivers at Crimson Bull and Mercedes might present Ferrari with an early benefit in 2025. Whereas their rivals work to acclimate new expertise to the calls for of high-stakes racing, Ferrari’s established and battle-hardened lineup could permit them to hit the bottom working, maintaining their championship aspirations firmly in sight.
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