Ferrari might not have clinched their first constructors’ championship in 16 years in 2024, however for the primary time in lots of seasons, they seemed to be a group that might genuinely problem for the title, offered they preserve their present trajectory. Whereas there was pure disappointment in narrowly lacking out to McLaren by a mere 14 factors, that sentiment was rapidly overshadowed by a renewed sense of optimism and pleasure about what the long run might maintain.
Staff Principal Frederic Vasseur delivered a charismatic efficiency when he hosted a gathering of worldwide media at an occasion area overlooking Ferrari’s iconic Fiorano check monitor, within the firm of the group’s conventional end-of-season Christmas luncheon.
Typically described as probably the most demanding roles in sport, the stress on the chief of Components 1’s most iconic group is immense. Nevertheless, the previous Alfa Romeo group boss has tailored to his function with exceptional ease, demonstrating a pure consolation within the high-stress setting.
It’s nonetheless early days in his tenure, after all. This was solely his second 12 months on the helm of Ferrari, and each he and the group are optimistic concerning the long-term partnership. The constructive indicators from this season, nevertheless, can’t be ignored.
The French supervisor is a likable and approachable chief, recognized for his skill to defuse tense moments along with his dry humorousness. His strategy has confirmed profitable at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters, the place his all-encompassing work ethic and administration model have empowered his group members to take dangers with out concern of retribution.
Whereas the last word purpose stays elusive – bringing the championship again to Italy – Ferrari’s true ambition lies within the institution of a brand new period of dominance, akin to the one they loved with Michael Schumacher between 2000 and 2004, or the continuing success Pink Bull and Mercedes have skilled lately. Regardless of the absence of a title this season, Frederic Vasseur is content material with the progress the group has made.
“It was season for us, for positive with ups and down as with everybody, however with extra ups than downs,” – the Ferrari group principal identified in a current dialogue with F1 Correspondent & Presenter Lawrence Barretto that occurred in a location shut from founder Enzo Ferrari’s home. “It was an excellent season in comparison with 2023. We’re entering into the fitting course. We improved in each single pillar of efficiency – reliability, technique, pit stops, pure efficiency and on KPIs, we had been 5 wins in opposition to one and on factors, we scored 60% extra factors in 2024 than 2023.” – the Frenchman added.
“Every part goes in the fitting course. We missed the final step, however once we went to Abu Dhabi, the share of likelihood to win was very low. After Saturday, it was lower than very low. It’s true after Lap 2 or 3, I say ‘ah the planets are nearly aligned now, let’s push’. However it’s not in Abu Dhabi that we missed one thing. Abu Dhabi itself was occasion, it’s extra in Canada we had a double zero, or within the summertime we missed one thing.”
The Maranello group has made a exceptional restoration after a mid-season hunch, ending the 12 months on a excessive be aware with each Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc securing podium finishes in Abu Dhabi. Within the grand scheme of issues, this represented a big leap ahead for the group.
In 2024, they had been simply 14 factors behind the leaders, a drastic enchancment from the staggering 454-point deficit they confronted the earlier 12 months. Alongside this spectacular enhance in factors, their charge of podium finishes rose by 175%, and their common factors per race noticed a 44.91% enchancment in comparison with 2023. Whereas these statistics weren’t sufficient to safe the championship, they replicate the type of progress that, if maintained persistently, might place Ferrari to make that essential closing leap. The truth that Ferrari managed to surpass the reigning world champions, Pink Bull and Mercedes, in such a convincing method is a daring assertion of intent, though they in the end fell quick to McLaren.
What has been the important thing to this transformation in 2024? “There isn’t a huge distinction,” the French supervisor replied – “We try to enhance on each single space of the efficiency, in each single division of the corporate. It’s small step by small step. It’s not a case of getting one thing with a game-changer – there isn’t any magic bullet. It’s essential hold this mindset and push everybody within the group to try to do a greater job, attempt to save one gram on every half and this I believe we did step ahead over the past month. For positive it’s not sufficient however we’re entering into the fitting course. It’s a no-end venture, a no-end course of to recruit, to develop, to attempt to do a greater job.” – the Ferrari group boss continued.
Ferrari’s drivers delivered distinctive performances in 2024, with each Carlos Sainz, who will be a part of Williams subsequent season, and Charles Leclerc attaining career-high factors totals, taking part in an integral function within the group’s progress.
Staff Principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged that Leclerc had made a notable enchancment, particularly in race administration, which included not solely tire administration but additionally higher dealing with of the general race technique. He noticed that Leclerc’s strategy was extra targeted, with fewer moments of distraction, contributing to a extra composed efficiency. Regardless of going through challenges throughout the season, significantly in Austria, Spain, and the UK, Leclerc demonstrated resilience, bouncing again every time with a constructive angle. Vasseur emphasised that this skill to get well from troublesome conditions was important each for Leclerc’s growth and for the group’s morale.
Concerning Carlos Sainz, Fred Vasseur identified that the Spaniard’s efficiency within the second half of the 2023 season marked the start of Ferrari’s turnaround. Carlos Sainz’s robust outcomes, together with a podium and pole place in Monza and a win in Singapore, sparked a aggressive response from Leclerc, who then achieved a powerful sequence of front-row finishes. Fred Vasseur felt that this mutual push between the drivers had been instrumental in Ferrari’s restoration, praising their supportive but aggressive dynamic and expressing satisfaction with their relationship.
Looking forward to 2025, Fred Vasseur anticipates a fierce four-way battle for the championship between Ferrari, McLaren, Pink Bull, and Mercedes, significantly with the steadiness of technical rules. He acknowledged that each group can be taking dangers, as not doing so would imply falling behind. Ferrari’s automotive growth is an ongoing problem, and Fred Vasseur famous that because the group enters the ultimate levels of their present automotive’s growth, the stakes will probably be increased than ever. With the shift to the 2026 venture looming, he emphasised that the automotive debuting in Bahrain will probably be essential for the group’s prospects.
Fred Vasseur has made notable strides in reshaping Ferrari’s inner tradition, specializing in eradicating the concern issue and inspiring risk-taking in any respect ranges. He has no plans to change this strategy in his third season on the helm, stating that sustaining a dedication to steady enchancment is vital to long-term success. He believes that if a group ever feels content material with its place, it indicators the start of a decline. His technique includes pushing the boundaries in each space and fostering an setting the place day-after-day brings the chance for enchancment.
A big change for Ferrari in 2025 would be the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will be a part of the group on a multi-year deal. The Ferrari group boss expressed his pleasure about having one of many biggest drivers in Components 1 historical past be a part of the ranks, seeing Lewis Hamilton’s expertise as a worthwhile asset in additional growing the group. He believes Hamilton’s presence is not going to solely profit Leclerc but additionally assist the engineers, contributing to the group’s general progress. The French supervisor sees Lewis Hamilton’s arrival as one other constructive step in Ferrari’s ongoing evolution.
For Ferrari followers, the arrival of Lewis Hamilton marks the potential starting of a brand new and profitable chapter, with excessive hopes for a 12 months filled with constructive developments within the 2025 Components 1 championship
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