In 2024, Ferrari thinks they have what it takes to challenge Red Bull.
Fred Vasseur is credited with turning things around at Ferrari in just over a year. Upon taking over a team that lagged behind Red Bull, the French team principal has implemented a significant transformation at Maranello. Apart from the apparent progress made with the SF-24, the Italian team performs better operationally. Ferrari’s better strategy and pit stops were evident in the Japanese Grand Prix, which led to their successful start to 2024. On the other hand, updates are being received for the SF-24, and if successful, they should enable a further performance step.
The Scuderia’s triumph in Australia, thanks to Carlos Sainz, was significant for obvious reasons. After two seasons, the Spaniard guided teammate Charles Leclerc to the team’s first 1-2 result. Ferrari’s enhanced tyre management was also validated in the third round of 2024, as Leclerc successfully completed a one-stop race in Suzuka. Fred Vassuer has emphasized the significance of applying pressure to Red Bull over the past few months. The staff at Maranello believes they can unsettle the defending Champions for a variety of reasons.
Strangely enough, the race in Japan may have been the most promising for Ferrari this season. While Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez helped Red Bull secure a 1-2 finish, Ferrari’s performance over the Suzuka race weekend exceeded expectations. It was predicted going into the race weekend that McLaren, being the second-fastest team, may pose a threat to the Italian team. The MCL38 performs better than the SF-24 due to the high-speed characteristics of the Japanese circuit. But in a track that isn’t really designed for Red Bull’s vehicle, Ferrari was by far their closest rival.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were nowhere near Red Bull at this exact circuit just half a year ago. Naturally, the RB20 remained the best in Japan. But Ferrari narrowed the difference considerably and—more importantly—showed that the SF-24 can be competitive on multiple tracks. To put up a persistent battle against Red Bull, the team will need to be able to compete near the front, regardless of the circuit layout. Their races go from being defensive to being offensive because to their better tyre management.
Enhancements for the SF-24
The fact that Ferrari will shortly receive its initial modifications for 2024 is another plus. An essential update package at Suzuka allowed Red Bull to reach new heights in performance. Helmut Marko attested to the fact that the most recent RB20 enhancements produced the anticipated outcomes. Ferrari will have a chance to reply when they unveil their eagerly anticipated improvements in Imola.
This year’s challenger is not nearly as stable as the SF-24. The Maranello-based crew may release updates going ahead with assurance that they will produce the lap time displayed in the simulator. Although Adrian Newey’s most recent creation remains in the lead, Fred Vasseur’s staff now has the means to cause upsets in the lead. There’s a chance this weekend in China on a circuit that favors Ferrari.
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