Written by Sharifah Zaqreeztrina, Edited by Meghana Sree
Newly titled Constructors’ rival Ferrari is getting closer to achieving every team’s ultimate goal: Taking the lead in the Constructors’ Championship. Of course, this feat must involve enduring their fair share of a whirlwind journey. Let’s take a look at their road to the front of the field, filled with numerous ups and downs.
2023: A season of untapped potential
Despite securing a talented driver line-up, Ferrari’s 2023 campaign had a less-than-ideal opening race. Carlos Sainz earned himself a top-five result, while teammate Charles Leclerc had to retire due to an engine issue.
Even so, the opening race of the season had shown them to be the favourites to try and match Red Bull.
Leclerc continued to prove his worth as a strong qualifier but to convert it to a high points-finish result appeared to be challenging. This often came down to technical issues and botched strategy calls.
Sainz managed to take the sole non-Red Bull win of the season in Singapore, after capitalising on a rare off weekend for the 2023 champions. This indicated that the team may have potential to shine in the future.
This was also the first year of Ferrari being in the hands of a new leader. Team Principal Fred Vasseur took over current Audi Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer Mattia Binotto at the start of 2023.
Despite a previous leadership role in Alfa Romeo for six years, Vasseur’s approach to leadership and management did raise mixed reactions. While some believed he may be the major key to Ferrari’s revival since they last dominated in the 2000s, some thought completely otherwise.
One win and nine podiums later, Ferrari fans seemed to give up on the hopes of a title fight in future, especially amidst McLaren’s late season resurgence in performance.
But there was room for tackling weaknesses in many aspects, including the car. Tyre degradation was a major issue on the SF-23. They had the potential to catch on to Red Bull but it was only on one-lap pace, after which the tyres easily degraded.
Aerodynamic inconsistencies also hindered them from performing well, especially on hot, high-downforce tracks.
On the brighter side, there were signs of an upward trajectory as the season progressed. They finished another difficult year by rounding up the top three in the Constructors' Championship.
2023 had made it clear that if Ferrari truly wanted to lead next year, they needed a major revamp of strategies, the car, and overall team operation.
2024: The start of something new
Aiming for the championship title is something really tempting to confidently say, but Vasseur has frequently voiced his preference for his team to focus on delivering consistency and better race pace instead. Now in 2024, his vision has never been more true. The SF-24 is a massive force on track compared to its predecessor.
It was an encouraging start for the Italian team. In Bahrain, Sainz scored Ferrari’s first podium of the season. Leclerc, despite encountering a brake issue, finished fourth.
The Spaniard was forced to sit back at the next round due to appendicitis, and Oliver Bearman took over his car. The British reserve landed in seventh place on race day: A testament to deserving a place in Formula One someday, and also precious points added to Ferrari’s points tally.
Ferrari had its first race win in 2024 as Sainz reigned victorious in Australia. It was also their first 1-2 of the season. Soon after, Leclerc’s home crowd in Monaco witnessed the Monegasque realising his lifelong dream of a race victory there.
Ferrari’s consistency and Grand Prix-winning race pace gradually removed the doubts of fans - even the most pessimistic ones - of its chances as a serious title challenger.
However, this flawless record was halted as Ferrari faced a downturn in Canada. The double retirement in Montreal due to an engine issue (Leclerc) and a collision with Alex Albon (Sainz) greatly affected the team’s performance in the standings.
The middle of the season was a struggling period for the Italian team. Car-related damages and poor strategy led Leclerc to drop into P11 and P14 in consecutive rounds of Austria and Silverstone respectively.
However, the hopes of a championship title were soon rekindled, as Ferrari made a stunning comeback after the summer break.
After a double top five in Zandvoort, Monza held another round of grand celebration as Leclerc sealed a race win here, his second since 2019. It was a typical Ferrari victory, with the Tifosi shedding tears of joy, and the sea of red passionately singing their national anthem.
Making up for the collision with Perez in the penultimate lap in Azerbaijan, Sainz rose up to the top ten once again in the following round in Singapore.
Post-autumn break prowess
Every constructor on the grid undoubtedly has been preparing well for the final quarter of the season. But none enjoy the fruits of their labour like Ferrari.
The gaps between the top teams based on championship points have become much smaller compared to the previous season.
The battles are now tighter, and that may lead to a frequent realignment of the top three in the Constructors’ standings over time, with little room for predicting who will take home the victory in Abu Dhabi.
Knowing this, the Prancing Horse will definitely be eyeing for a much better outcome every race.
They started the final run of the season without bringing along any major upgrades. Sticking to the upgrades that brought excellent results in the previous outings proved to be successful as they sealed their second 1-2 of the season in Austin, with Leclerc claiming the top step for the third time this year.
They attempted a third 1-2 in Mexico City, however, a charging Lando Norris pipped Leclerc for second place after Leclerc ran wide in a heartstopping moment for fans. Sainz took to the chequered flag amidst the cheers of his fellow Spanish-speaking crowd, while Leclerc had to settle for third place.
Their performances in Austin and Mexico have lifted the scarlet squad to second place in the Constructors’ standings. They are now on their way to snatch the lead from McLaren, who have been the championship leaders since Baku.
Needless to say, Ferrari’s major revolution has been well-executed. After two rather disappointing seasons, both the team and the ever-passionate Tifosi can finally heave a sigh of relief and look back upon a glorious year thus far.
Heading into the final three races, it’s certain that Ferrari is continuing its mission to score the most points possible and provide themselves an outstanding ending to the 2024 season – by sealing what would be their 17th World Constructors’ Championship.
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