Ferrari, the trend is worrying: since Imola, the SF-24 is last among the top teams.
Despite the two extensive upgrade packages brought to Italy and Spain, the Maranello car struggles to shine. After the splendid victory in Monaco, in the last four races, it’s behind Mercedes in terms of points scored. A negative trend that is starting to cause concern.
The Formula 1 World Championship, with the Barcelona stage, has entered its crucial phase. On the “world-champion killer” track, where it’s clear who has the right car to aim for the title, Max Verstappen wins in a Red Bull that does not convince. The Dutchman is perfect and clean, but once again seems to exceed the capabilities of the RB20.
Overall, indeed, the best car appeared to be the McLaren. The new benchmark of the grid, the MCL38, adapts well to all types of tracks. Gentle on the tires, it allows its drivers to push where everyone else, including Verstappen, has to preserve the compounds. However, what makes the difference is the team’s experience: still too many mistakes and indecisions, both on the pit wall and on the track.
Ferrari, the SF-24 sinks behind Mercedes
When, at Imola, Charles Leclerc finished only third (despite the SF-24 EVO), whispers in the paddock suggested patience. After all, finishing just 7.9 seconds behind Max Verstappen, on an unfavorable track, was certainly not a bad result. The joy of Monaco then reignited the spirits of the Ferrari fans: the World Championship dream, almost incredibly, seemed extraordinarily tangible. The very cold shower of Canada was supposed to be just a small mishap. “The championship wasn’t won in Monaco, and it’s not lost in Montreal,” it was said. The 22.7 seconds gap from the leader in Barcelona – Max Verstappen again – is a rude awakening. Even more so when you look at the standings: fifth Charles Leclerc, sixth Carlos Sainz, both behind the two Mercedes.
By the numbers, since Imola, the queen has been McLaren.** With 113 points scored, the Woking team closes the gap with Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship. Chasing them is Milton Keynes, with 91 points, despite three wins out of four. Third, slightly behind, is Mercedes: Brackley has 87 points. The tail-end among the top teams is Ferrari, stuck at 83 points.
Ghosts from the Past
Throughout 2023, the characteristic that most praised Maranello’s work was the growth trend. For the first time in several years, the Prancing Horse’s car seemed to improve during the season, rather than deteriorate and sometimes lose the initial advantage. This seemed destined to be confirmed after the first part of the current season. But what is happening now?
After China and Miami, it was clear: the SF-24 needed updates. The car has been overhauled, and the initial feedback on the track was not disappointing. In Barcelona, however, bouncing reappeared, a phenomenon never seen on the Ferrari in 2024. As analyzed by our Francesco Zazzera, the excessive aerodynamic load generated might have put the SF-24’s suspension system in crisis.
Bringing forward the package planned for Silverstone could give Maranello the time needed to correct course. The car’s potential cannot be doubted, but the ghosts of the past must be chased away: the championship is still open, but not indefinitely. To aim for the top, no more mistakes will be allowed.
Source: f1ingenerale
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