The 2024 Formula 1 World Championship revealed a concept often mentioned in theory: performance convergence. Four different teams achieved victories throughout the season, with seven drivers taking turns at the top of the podium. Such variability had not been seen in decades, perhaps never to this extent. Beyond these observations, which are for historians and statisticians to analyze, the facts show that the constructors’ title was in contention until the very last moment of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign, with McLaren unfortunately narrowly edging out Ferrari by a handful of points at the end of the race which was held at the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island.
Red Bull, with Max Verstappen claiming his fifth consecutive drivers’ title, finished further back, staying ahead of a two-faced Mercedes. These four contenders aim to dominate next year, the final season under the current regulatory framework, in what promises to be a thrilling battle. Among this quartet of challengers, we focus of course on Ferrari, which will feature an extraordinary driver pairing: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Until the 2024 Formula 1 championship, Ferrari had to design a car that catered to the driving characteristics of both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who preferred different dynamics. The Spaniard performed better with cars that tended to understeer, offering a more stable rear end, while his Monegasque teammate favored vehicles with a sharp front end and a lighter rear, allowing for greater control.
Now the conditions will change, as Lewis Hamilton’s style closely aligns with the one of Charles Leclerc. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion struggled with the new-generation Mercedes cars, which displayed significant inconsistency and a common flaw: an imperfect rear end unable to complement a sharp front end that the driver preferred. This delicate balance was rarely achieved with the Venturi-effect Silver Arrows. However, when it was, we witnessed a vintage Lewis Hamilton, capable of winning races and delivering exceptional performances.
As previously mentioned, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc share a similar driving style, favoring highly precise front ends that allow for controlled management of the rear through corners. Until this year, Ferrari had a driver who thrived under opposite conditions.
The fact that both the British and the Monegasque driver prefer cars with similar driving characteristics is an advantage, and Ferrari must skillfully leverage the expertise and experience of the seven-time world champion.
It’s not a paradox: building a car, which is internally called Project 677, around Lewis Hamilton’s needs means creating one perfectly suited also for Charles Leclerc. Perhaps this technical choice, rarely considered in analyses of Ferrari’s management strategies, was the foundation for the aggressive move which team principal Fred Vasseur and President John Elkann made to pry the 39-year-old from British driver away from Mercedes.
However, technical growth must also be supported by procedural stabilization within the team. This is where Frédéric Vasseur steps in. Over the past two years, the French executive has been restructuring Maranello’s Racing Department, with results that are evident to all. The former Sauber boss’s leadership almost brought the constructors’ trophy back to Italy. Though the goal slipped away, there is no regret, as the reversal of the downward trend seen under the previous management is clear. In the last two seasons, Ferrari has shown the opposite trajectory, proving its ability to respond to challenges and develop its technical project.
This evolution is reason for optimism for the upcoming year. Frederic Vasseur spoke about the 2024 Formula 1 campaign with an eye on the next season, maintaining optimism but grounded in solid pragmatism:
Frederic Vasseur expressed pride in the work accomplished by the team over the season and satisfaction with their performance on the final day, stating that they had delivered the best possible outcome. However, the French manager acknowledged feeling some frustration about how the season concluded. He also congratulated McLaren for their excellent work, noting a good relationship between the teams and admitting that their success was both a source of happiness and frustration for Ferrari. Regarding the Italian side’s progress, Frederic Vasseur highlighted the significant advancements made, emphasizing that in 2024, the team, with both drivers, had been consistently able to fight for podium finishes, even though the SF-24’s performance had fluctuated across different tracks.
Looking ahead, the Frenchman stressed the need to push harder for the following year to gain a few extra tenths, focusing on improving reliability, management, and overall performance. He expressed confidence that Ferrari was on the right path, noting the team’s motivation and their active preparations for the 2025 Formula 1 championship. Frederic Vasseur thus hints that the Maranello team’s growth will involve further structuring. Loic Serra and Jerome d’Ambrosio, two key figures “stolen” from Mercedes, made their debut during the post-season tests in Abu Dhabi. These two are part of a restructuring process that isn’t yet complete but is undoubtedly on the right track.
In a continued break from the past, Ferrari is not planning to hesitate ahead of the new regulatory framework set for 2026. The upcoming season presents very real chances of victory, especially considering the trends observed in 2024. The presence of Lewis Hamilton will be an additional motivator for a team tired of watching its rivals celebrate. Whatever happens, the Maranello team will make a serious attempt.
Dec 16, 2024
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