Ferrari aim to dethrone McLaren this season and secure their first constructors’ championship since 2008. With Lewis Hamilton joining Charles Leclerc, they arguably have the strongest driver pairing on the grid.
Fred Vasseur’s team finished just 14 points behind McLaren in last year’s standings, a margin equivalent to only 0.12% of the total points available throughout the season. Inevitably, Vasseur will reflect on the moments that cost his team the title, including four DNFs, one of which was a double retirement at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Red Bull initially seemed on track for another dominant season, winning four of the first five races with three one-two finishes. However, when their performance dipped, it was McLaren—not Ferrari—who capitalized.
Christian Horner has suggested that McLaren’s rise was not entirely fair, implying they did not fully comply with regulations. Following the Azerbaijan GP in September, they were forced to modify their ‘mini DRS’ rear-wing design after rivals, both publicly and privately, labeled it illegal.
Ferrari were less outspoken than Red Bull in their complaints, allowing Frederic Vasseur to maintain a good relationship with McLaren CEO Zak Brown. However, this does not mean Ferrari are entirely satisfied with the FIA’s handling of the situation.
Ferrari unhappy with FIA’s new flexi-wing rules
In May, the FIA will implement a new technical directive to tighten regulations on front-wing flexibility, aiming to eliminate excessive movement that provides an aerodynamic advantage.
According to The Race, Ferrari and Red Bull were well-prepared for these changes but are not entirely satisfied with how the situation has unfolded. They question why the FIA did not take similar action last season.
Both teams pushed for increased scrutiny over the summer break, and there were discussions about a crackdown starting from the Singapore GP. However, for unspecified reasons, this never materialized. McLaren, perceived as the primary beneficiary of the loophole, may have gained an advantage in the final quarter of 2024 and could still retain it in early 2025.
Hamilton may struggle with one aspect of being a Ferrari driver
The competitive order in 2025 could shift significantly once the new directive takes effect, but teams still have time to adapt.
Hamilton has an outside chance of securing his eighth world title this season. Ferrari are expected to be contenders, but Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc may be in a stronger position. The Dutchman remains unbeaten since the end of 2020, Lando Norris could have the fastest car, and the Monegasque is already deeply integrated into the Ferrari team. Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde believes Hamilton could improve his qualifying performances by analyzing his new teammate.
One journalist has suggested that the British driver may not enjoy the unique media scrutiny that comes with driving for Ferrari. However, as the sport’s biggest star, he is already well accustomed to handling such attention.
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