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 by way of 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 stress was palpable, particularly after Oscar Piastri misplaced vital time as a result 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 powerful 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 Purple Bull having fun with longer intervals of dominance. Their victories at marquee occasions comparable to Monaco, the place Charles Leclerc dominated, and the Italian Grand Prix, in addition to a win in Austin, showcased the staff’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 not often possessed the quickest automotive on the grid this 12 months. Each Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz demonstrated outstanding ability 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 powerful 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 effectively 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 towards McLaren. Talking on the *Off Monitor with Hinch and Rossi* podcast, he emphasised that Ferrari’s capacity to remain aggressive, even with out persistently having the quickest automotive, was a testomony to their resilience and strategic execution: “Ferrari, nice job. Only a few occasions this 12 months 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 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 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 could possibly 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 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 talents, 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 distinct 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 word, 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, significantly if Liam Lawson steps as much as associate Max Verstappen. The heightened stress of competing on the entrance of the grid might 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 a 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 Purple Bull and Mercedes might present Ferrari with an early benefit in 2025. Whereas their opponents 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 operating, conserving their championship aspirations firmly in sight.
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