Ferrari completed 2024 in second place behind McLaren. Right here is an evaluation of the Maranello workforce’s season, together with preseason expectations, key moments, and a comparability of the 2 drivers.
Preseason Expectations
Ferrari aimed to compete on the entrance from the outset, a place it held early in 2023 earlier than dropping off with updates and recovering towards the top.
The exams instantly delivered constructive outcomes: the SF-24 was designed to supply a broader operational window in comparison with the 2023 automobile, which was fairly restricted. On the finish of the three days in Bahrain, Fred Vasseur acknowledged, “We’re glad with the mileage lined and the quantity of information collected. These had been three productive and trouble-free days, which is precisely what you need from a check, particularly when it’s the one one earlier than the season begins.”
Ferrari began the season properly, although not spectacularly, with podiums in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah, Carlos Sainz needed to hand over his automobile to Ollie Bearman, who debuted in F1 and managed to attain factors.
After a wonderful begin with two victories, Ferrari’s efficiency plummeted. The Canadian GP marked the bottom level, and early updates did little to assist, resulting in struggles throughout the center of the season.
The scenario started to enhance from Belgium onward, adopted by stronger performances within the Netherlands and Monza. At Monza, Ferrari thrilled its followers with its first Italian victory in 5 years. The momentum continued, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz securing consecutive wins in the USA and Mexico. The season ended with McLaren proving its superiority, however Ferrari appeared robust heading into subsequent 12 months.
Ferrari’s 5 Victories in 2024
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc took the highest step of the rostrum 5 occasions, three of which got here within the season’s closing levels. Right here’s a chronological recap:
– Australia: Carlos Sainz arrived in Melbourne following an appendectomy that sidelined him. Nonetheless, he confirmed glorious type, dominated the weekend, and gained after ranging from the entrance row. Leclerc completed second, struggling greater than Carlos Sainz in opposition to rivals.
– Monaco: Charles Leclerc claimed his first victory on the streets of his residence nation after years of struggles in Monaco. He secured pole place and led the race from begin to end, aided by a purple flag that nullified strategic dangers.
– Monza: Leclerc claimed one other particular victory at Monza. Capitalizing on inner discord at McLaren and executing glorious technique and tire administration, he secured the win, bringing the Italian anthem again to Monza after 5 years.
– United States: Ferrari achieved a 1-2 end, with Charles Leclerc profiting from a battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen at Flip 1 to grab the lead. Carlos Sainz overtook rival drivers throughout the race to finish the Ferrari double.
– Mexico: Carlos Sainz earned Ferrari’s closing win of the season—and his final in purple. With higher tempo than Charles Leclerc, he maximized the end result to complete first.
The Lowest Level
The Canadian GP was undoubtedly Ferrari’s worst weekend in 2024, ending with two retirements. Even whereas operating, the vehicles delivered disappointing performances. This race marked the beginning of a collection of robust weekends, costing Ferrari invaluable factors within the Drivers’ Championship.
The comparability between Leclerc and Sainz within the race (*excluding the Jeddah GP, which Sainz didn’t take part in) – Supply: Paddock Information 24
Driver Comparability
In head-to-head races, Charles Leclerc completed forward of Carlos Sainz 15 occasions, whereas Carlos Sainz got here out on prime 8 occasions. Leclerc scored 356 factors, in comparison with Carlos Sainz’s 290. These, together with Oliver Bearman‘s 6 factors in Jeddah, enabled Ferrari to complete second within the championship with 652 factors, 14 behind McLaren.
The comparability between Leclerc and Sainz in qualifying (*excluding the Jeddah GP, which Sainz didn’t take part in) – Supply: Paddock Information 24
In qualifying, Ferrari confirmed some weaknesses in comparison with earlier years. Regardless of securing pole positions, the workforce solely made the entrance row eight occasions in 2024, reflecting a noticeable decline from previous seasons.
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