Scuderia Ferrari got here tantalizingly near claiming the Constructors’ Championship this season however finally fell quick as McLaren secured the title in Abu Dhabi.
The Italian facet delivered a robust efficiency on the Yas Marina Circuit, with Charles Leclerc charging by 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 result of a collision with Max Verstappen, elevating the chance that any mistake from race chief Lando Norris might need swung the championship in Ferrari’s favor. Regardless of the chances, McLaren held agency, leaving Ferrari to mirror 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 keep up a reputable title problem regardless of McLaren and Purple Bull having fun with longer intervals of dominance. Their victories at marquee occasions equivalent 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 hardly ever possessed the quickest automotive on the grid this yr. Each Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz demonstrated exceptional talent in extracting the utmost efficiency from the SF-24, even when the automotive was outclassed by rivals.
When one driver faltered, such because the Monegasque driver’s robust outing in Austria, the opposite stepped up. Carlos Sainz’s third-place end on the Purple Bull Ring, following a collision between Verstappen and Norris, ensured Ferrari remained a menace.
Scuderia Ferrari’s adaptability throughout various circumstances was additionally a spotlight. As an illustration, in Mexico Metropolis, they carried out nicely regardless of the challenges posed by the excessive altitude, which necessitated a drag-heavy rear wing to counter decreased air density and downforce.
Hinchcliffe believes it was this season-long consistency that enabled Ferrari to mount a reputable problem towards 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 automotive, was a testomony to their resilience and strategic execution: “Ferrari, nice job. Only a few occasions this yr did they’ve the quickest automotive on a race weekend. That’s truly what’s so spectacular about the truth that they took that factor all the way 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 vehicles had been common.” – he identified.
James Hinchcliffe continued: “McLaren had the strongest automotive in a bunch of races. Mercedes had the strongest automotive in a bunch of races. Clearly, Purple Bull began with the strongest automotive. However Ferrari, you 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 staff to affix 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 might current a problem, particularly because the staff focuses on rebuilding somewhat than competing for podiums. Sainz’s expertise might be key in serving to Williams transfer ahead, however the adjustment to a unique aggressive atmosphere 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 might face challenges of their very own. Purple 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 might pose vital hurdles for the younger driver.
Mercedes, too, will likely 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 System 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 Purple 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 might permit them to hit the bottom working, conserving their championship aspirations firmly in sight.
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