Scuderia Ferrari got here tantalizingly near claiming the Constructors’ Championship this season however finally fell brief as McLaren secured the title in Abu Dhabi.
The Italian facet delivered a robust efficiency on the Yas Marina Circuit, with Charles Leclerc charging via the sector to safe third place, becoming a member of teammate Carlos Sainz, who completed second. This double podium effort highlighted Ferrari’s means to push McLaren proper to the wire.
The strain was palpable, particularly after Oscar Piastri misplaced vital time as a consequence of a collision with Max Verstappen, elevating the likelihood that any mistake from race chief Lando Norris might need swung the championship in Ferrari’s favor. Regardless of the percentages, McLaren held agency, leaving Ferrari to replicate on a formidable but finally second-place end.
Over the course of the season, Ferrari proved aggressive and adept at minimizing poor outcomes, permitting them to take care of a reputable title problem regardless of McLaren and Pink Bull having fun with longer durations of dominance. Their victories at marquee occasions akin to Monaco, the place Charles Leclerc dominated, and the Italian Grand Prix, in addition to a win in Austin, showcased the staff’s means to capitalize on alternatives.
Former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe expressed his admiration for Ferrari’s efforts, noting their means to impress even with out profitable their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008.
Ferrari’s energy lay in consistency somewhat than outright pace, as they not often possessed the quickest automobile on the grid this 12 months. Each Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz demonstrated outstanding talent 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 Pink Bull Ring, following a collision between Verstappen and Norris, ensured Ferrari remained a risk.
Scuderia Ferrari’s adaptability throughout various situations was additionally a spotlight. For example, 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 Monitor with Hinch and Rossi* podcast, he emphasised that Ferrari’s means to remain aggressive, even with out constantly 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 really 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 had been simply so good at bringing dwelling these fourths to sevenths when their automobiles had 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, Pink Bull began with the strongest automobile. However Ferrari, you possibly can say Austin, and you’d have thought Vegas, however then Mercedes confirmed up and blitzed them in Vegas.” – he added.
Ferrari is ready for a serious shakeup as Carlos Sainz departs the staff to hitch Williams, following the announcement that Lewis Hamilton will take his place alongside Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season.
Sainz, assured in his skills, believes he’s stronger than Hamilton, his successor at Ferrari. Nevertheless, adapting to Williams’ midfield ambitions could current a problem, particularly because the staff focuses on rebuilding somewhat than competing for podiums. Sainz’s expertise may very well be key in serving to Williams transfer ahead, however the adjustment to a special aggressive surroundings will undoubtedly take time.
Ferrari, in the meantime, is well-positioned to hold their sturdy 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 staff goals to reclaim championship glory.
Elsewhere, the Maranello staff’s rivals could face challenges of their very own. Pink Bull might encounter difficulties, significantly 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, might 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 Formulation 1 might imply a interval of adjustment as Antonelli finds his footing within the high tier of motorsport.
This inflow of youthful, much less skilled drivers at Pink 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, preserving their championship aspirations firmly in sight.
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