Scuderia Ferrari narrowly missed out on the Constructors’ Championship within the 2024 Method 1 marketing campaign, with McLaren taking the title by simply 14 factors.
Heading into the ultimate spherical at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, the Italian aspect was in second place within the standings, 21 factors behind their rivals. This put McLaren in a defensive place on the closing race, whereas Ferrari had nothing to lose of their bid for the championship.
Charles Leclerc confronted a difficult weekend, as a battery change throughout Friday apply resulted in a 10-place grid penalty. The Monegasque driver additionally struggled in qualifying, failing to make the highest 10 and beginning close to the again of the grid.
Ferrari group principal Frederic Vasseur believes the group made progress this season however has shunned revealing the place they misplaced the important 14 factors.
The French supervisor has “a number of ideas” on the place Ferrari misplaced the championship. Ferrari confirmed sturdy efficiency on a wide range of tracks with completely different downforce ranges, with the Monegasque driver securing victories in Monaco and on the Italian Grand Prix. After Monaco, Ferrari was 24 factors behind Pink Bull, who had led the Constructors’ Championship early within the season earlier than fading.
Unreliability in the course of the closing spherical of the season barely hindered Ferrari, and Fred Vasseur would have been disillusioned by the misplaced factors at such a vital time. The group additionally suffered a double non-finish in Canada, marking a disastrous weekend the place essentially the most priceless factors have been misplaced. Fred Vasseur famous that the Maranello group didn’t make sufficient enhancements in comparison with final 12 months, regardless of taking the title struggle to the ultimate spherical: “A very good [step], however not sufficient. If you happen to evaluate with one 12 months in the past, it’s an enormous step ahead, and all the things is nice; we did an excellent [season] by way of pitstop, technique, reliability – we improved in every single place by way of pure efficiency.” – the Ferrari group boss defined – “On the finish, 14 factors are lacking and I feel in case you are 80 or 100 factors behind you don’t really feel the frustration. I’ve tonnes of ideas in my thoughts the place we misplaced the 14 factors, however it’s like it’s. McLaren additionally had some points, and it’s simply that we now have to do a greater job subsequent 12 months. But additionally fairly happy with the step that we did. McLaren additionally had some points, and it’s simply that we now have to do a greater job subsequent 12 months. However I’m additionally fairly happy with the step that we did.” – the French supervisor continued.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz each displayed exceptional consistency all through the season, which performed a vital function in Ferrari’s efficiency. Whereas the group confirmed spectacular pace at key races, akin to Monaco and the USA Grand Prix, McLaren proved to have a sooner automobile total in the course of the 12 months.
The Constructors’ Champions demonstrated distinctive tempo, notably in the course of the mid-season, however Ferrari’s automobile was notably extra unpredictable, with peak efficiency at particular races reasonably than sustained superiority. This unpredictability, nonetheless, didn’t hinder the reliability of each Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who managed to attenuate errors and persistently rating factors, permitting Ferrari to construct regular momentum over the course of the season.
James Hinchcliffe acknowledged Ferrari’s sturdy exhibiting, declaring that whereas the group’s efficiency was spectacular, it will be essential for them to begin the 2025 season with a good stronger basis. The addition of Lewis Hamilton to the group could be a key issue of their efforts to problem for each the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. With this new dynamic, Ferrari might want to guarantee they hit the bottom operating to successfully compete in opposition to the highest groups.
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