Ferrari confronted a number of issues within the final Method 1 racing season. With out getting misplaced in an excessive amount of chatter, let’s briefly summarize. It began with the aerodynamic replace package deal introduced for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on the Imola circuit, the place the Maranello staff anticipated the competitors by presenting the primary evolution of the SF-24 single-seater. This concerned the reversed sidepods in Pink Bull type, recognized technically as “shark inlet,” which had been designed to release cubic centimeters within the undercut space, improve the outwash impact, enhance aerodynamic effectivity, and usually create a fluid mass directed towards the rear to help efficiency.
We can not say that this aerodynamic replace was incorrect. Nevertheless, in apply, the numerous benefits estimated on paper largely remained unrealized. Then got here the Spanish Grand Prix. On the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, a brand new flooring was unveiled, a serious element supposed to alter the course of the championship. And certainly, it did, however in a unfavourable manner. A flooring developed beneath deceptive circumstances compromised the SF-24’s efficiency for at the very least six races. Lastly, we arrive at Monza, the Italian Grand Prix, the place the correct transfer was lastly made.
After an preliminary correction within the Hungarian Grand Prix on the Hungaroring circuit, a “patch” to the ground to stay first rate for the Hungarian race, within the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the important thing component for an F1 automotive was utterly new. There have been a number of modifications throughout all its areas: the inlet, sharp edges, coke bottle zone, diffuser, Venturi channels, and keel basically. As if by magic, the SF-24 single-seater regained competitiveness, even successful its house race with Charles Leclerc in entrance of the enthusiastic Tifosi. Sadly, the Maranello staff then misplaced the race victory within the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the Baku Metropolis Circuit because of a late pit name for the Monegasque driver however dominated in the US with a historic one-two end on the Circuit of the Americas, the place Ferrari “kicked the celebrities and stripes” competitors.
The success was repeated by Carlos Sainz within the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix the next week. Within the final 4 races, there have been solely podium finishes, regardless of the potential to struggle on the prime being current. The second half of the 2024 Method 1 world championship confirmed clear progress, with Ferrari even coming near successful the Constructors’ title, in the long run dropping by simply 14 factors to the Woking-based staff. The administration of aerodynamic updates made a major distinction, crushing Ferrari’s ambitions, whereas McLaren, good in all its updates, made the successful transfer to safe a trophy that they had not seen since 1998.
It’s December, and Christmas is only a few days away. Nonetheless, the Maranello manufacturing facility shouldn’t be shutting down. Quite the opposite, work continues tirelessly. Efforts are being poured into giving credibility to venture 677, from which the automotive more likely to be named the SF-25 will emerge for the upcoming Method 1 season. A automotive aiming for revenge, pushed by the will to lastly erase that bothersome zero within the championship victory column. A drought that has gone on for a lot too lengthy and should by some means be stopped. Among the many instruments accessible to attain this purpose will likely be Lewis Hamilton.
Let’s discuss essentially the most extremely regarded Method 1 driver in historical past. Though he’ll flip 40 in a couple of weeks, his expertise stays intact. In latest days, we highlighted a element concerning his professionalism. From what we’ve discovered, the British driver has by no means been too inclined to share his most intimate suggestions on the automotive he drives. Because of this, he has at all times set boundaries to make sure that his teammate couldn’t profit from the exact and efficient insights derived from his understanding of the automotive. That is one thing that can not be thought of incorrect.
In any other case, his availability will likely be full. It couldn’t be in any other case. Inside this matter, one very evident truth should be famous. A fantastic champion has one single need: to win. That’s the reason being crushed by somebody sharing the identical storage is unacceptable to the mindset of a real standout. Once more, that is an apparent level that should, after all, be managed. Ferrari staff principal Frederic Vasseur doesn’t see it as an issue, emphasizing that Lewis Hamilton needs to win, identical to Charles Leclerc and himself. Because of this, he sees no inconsistencies sooner or later targets of the Scuderia.
Furthermore, he asserts that the energy of an F1 staff lies in a shared sense of function, referring to Pink Bull, which at all times focuses on a single driver. In accordance with the French supervisor, it’s about mutual emulation, fostering consistency that pushes the staff upward. All the time and in each side. Not solely within the Constructors’ Championship, since wholesome competitors between two drivers pushes each to offer their utmost. That is his philosophy on the matter. In brief, inner competitors is essential for nurturing desired ambitions. On this topic, Fred Vasseur alludes to the state of affairs between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
Tensions that haven’t destroyed their mutual respect, although multiple misunderstanding has occurred. What the Frenchman calls a “nice drawback” is undoubtedly useful if dealt with accurately. Ferrari has two distinctive drivers. Undoubtedly, the strongest pairing on the grid. If these are the challenges, they’re welcome. Would it not maybe be higher to have much less high quality? Who would like that? The extra arrows you’ve in your quiver, the higher it’s. Managing such a state of affairs is feasible. It’s merely a matter of being clear from the outset and rowing in the identical path.
— see video above —
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
