Despite another Red Bull one-two, Scuderia Ferrari returns from Jeddah aware of being, for now, the undisputed second force on track. Moreover, the final phase of the race highlighted how the technicians from Maranello have solved the tire degradation issue that had plagued the SF23 last season, with Charles Leclerc finishing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in third place.
However, stealing the spotlight was Oliver Bearman, called in at the last minute to replace Carlos Sainz, who starred in an exceptional race, culminating in an unexpected seventh place, ahead of two champions like Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.
John Elkann celebrates the Jeddah podium
The performance of the two Ferrari cars did not go unnoticed even in the eyes of President John Elkann, present in the Jeddah paddock this weekend, who wanted to compliment the team for the result achieved.
“This was a great race. We made it to the podium, Charles Leclerc set the fastest lap, there was a great debut for Oliver Bearman, and Carlos Sainz showed great team spirit by being present at the circuit despite the surgery.” – the Ferrari president pointed out – “This is what makes Ferrari so special, and it’s something to be proud of for everyone who worked for an extremely encouraging result.” – he added.
The Oliver Bearman – Charles Leclerc duo was the youngest lineup in the history of the prancing horse, and John Elkann did not miss the opportunity to emphasize it: “Certainly, one of the great efforts made in recent years has been to try to focus on young talent. You can see it with Charles Leclerc and Oliver Bearman, two drivers who have grown in Ferrari. For us, it is a source of great pride to see how talent in Ferrari manages to find a place to express itself. This doesn’t happen in all teams.” – the Ferrari president continued.
The Lewis Hamilton chapter and championship ambitions
Given Red Bull’s superiority even in the 2024 Formula One season, considering the leap forward made by Ferrari with the SF24, John Elkann talked about the chances of bringing the title back to Maranello within the next two years: “In 2026, a cycle will close, then another will open. The important thing is to continue to be competitive and nurture the spirit that was felt tonight.”
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Finally, speaking about the Lewis Hamilton deal, who will wear red from next year, John Elkann stated: “I have publicly said over the years how great a driver he is, what he has done for Formula 1. His arrival at Ferrari is an important sign of how much he believes he can achieve great things with us. Oliver Bearman will remember for a lifetime that he arrived ahead of Hamilton on debut, but the embrace between them is proof of how Lewis is a champion on and off the track. He is an example for future generations.” – the Ferrari president concluded following the 2024 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Source: f1ingenerale
