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 powerful efficiency on the Yas Marina Circuit, with Charles Leclerc charging by way of the sector to safe third place, becoming a member of teammate Carlos Sainz, who completed second. This double podium effort highlighted Ferrari’s capability to push McLaren proper to the wire.
The strain was palpable, particularly after Oscar Piastri misplaced important time because 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 percentages, McLaren held agency, leaving Ferrari to mirror 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 take care of a reputable title problem regardless of McLaren and Crimson 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 group’s capability to capitalize on alternatives.
Former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe expressed his admiration for Ferrari’s efforts, noting their capability to impress even with out profitable their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008.
Ferrari’s energy lay in consistency relatively than outright velocity, as they hardly ever possessed the quickest automotive on the grid this 12 months. 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 Crimson Bull Ring, following a collision between Verstappen and Norris, ensured Ferrari remained a menace.
Scuderia Ferrari’s adaptability throughout various situations 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 Observe with Hinch and Rossi* podcast, he emphasised that Ferrari’s capability 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 instances 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 all the way down to the final lap of the championship as a result of each their guys have been simply so good at bringing residence these fourths to sevenths when their vehicles have 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, Crimson Bull began with the strongest automotive. However Ferrari, you possibly 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 serious shakeup as Carlos Sainz departs the group to hitch 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. Nonetheless, adapting to Williams’ midfield ambitions could current a problem, particularly because the group focuses on rebuilding relatively than competing for podiums. Sainz’s expertise could possibly 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 observe, 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 group goals to reclaim championship glory.
Elsewhere, the Maranello group’s rivals could face challenges of their very own. Crimson Bull might encounter difficulties, significantly if Liam Lawson steps as much as accomplice Max Verstappen. The heightened strain of competing on the entrance of the grid could pose important hurdles for the younger driver.
Mercedes, too, will probably 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 Crimson 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, holding their championship aspirations firmly in sight.
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