The upcoming months are pivotal for Ferrari to address their mid-season setbacks in view of the second half of the 2024 Formula 1 championship, but also with a focus on preparations for the 2025 championship, which will be the last year with the current rules and regulations. Despite Red Bull’s dominant start to the year, the Maranello team emerged as serious contenders in the first races of the season, especially after their Monaco victory. However, since then, Ferrari’s performance has clearly declined, especially in comparison to rivals McLaren and Mercedes.
Team boss Frederic Vasseur is acutely aware of the need for significant improvements as soon as possible. The recent upgrades introduced by the Maranello technicians have compounded Ferrari’s issues, allowing McLaren to overtake them in the Constructors’ standings. Had it not been for George Russell’s disqualification at the 7.004-kilometre Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in the Belgian Grand Prix, Ferrari would even be on the brink of losing third place to Mercedes. The urgency for the factory to reverse the Maranello team’s trajectory is undeniable.
Upgrades Scheduled Post-Summer Break
While the summer break might seem like a respite for team members, the relentless pursuit of improvement in Formula 1 continues. The current F1 campaign has already demonstrated how a single effective aerodynamic upgrade package can significantly alter the competitive landscape on track. The Italian has several critical objectives to achieve in the coming weeks. First, they must understand why their previous aero updates, particularly those introduced at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, failed to meet expectations. Specifically, the Ferrari technicians and engineers need to prevent the SF-24 from experiencing a resurgence of bouncing when the series resumes.
On a broader scale, Scuderia Ferrari must finalize their plans for project 677, the car for the 2025 Formula 1 championship, which internally in Maranello is known as the ‘Lewis Hamilton car’. Entering the winter break with unresolved development and design issues is not an option. Until they find definitive solutions to their recent issues, any further updates carry a heightened risk. Aston Martin’s struggles serve as a stark reminder of how one mistake can lead to a downward spiral. The technicians led by the French team principal must address these underlying issues as soon as possible in order to salvage their 2024 Formula 1 season and to prepare for next year’s challenges.
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