At the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season, it would have been hard to find anyone who would have bet on Ferrari fighting for the Constructors’ title. The Scuderia was coming off its first year under Frederic Vasseur’s management, which, aside from the victory in Singapore, offered little excitement for its fans.
For this reason, perhaps the overall evaluation of Ferrari’s season might be higher than it truly deserves. Even Ferrari’s Team Principal, immediately after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, gave the team’s 2024 performance a modest “six” out of ten, acknowledging the significant room for improvement still within Ferrari’s grasp.
Ferrari: A Positive Season, But…
Undeniably, the progress made by the Maranello team over the past twelve months is encouraging. After a 2022 season that reignited fan enthusiasm, 2023 brought everyone back to reality, thanks in part to Red Bull’s near-perfect dominance.
In this context, seeing the SF-24 compete for the Constructors’ title until the final laps of the race that concluded the 2024 season is a hopeful sign for next year. The final championship under the current technical regulations represents a golden opportunity for Ferrari, which, despite all efforts, has now gone 16 years without a title.
However, some warning signs emerged during the season that need addressing ahead of 2025. Errors made during the midseason, when updates appeared ineffective, are a critical area of focus if Ferrari is to return to winning ways.
The “Regret” of Sainz and the Wait for Lewis
One of the key topics in the coming months will undoubtedly be the comparison between Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton. The Spanish driver, who has already started his adventure with Williams, proved in his four years at Maranello to be an excellent team player and contributed significantly to Ferrari’s successes.
For this reason, his departure has left a bittersweet taste for some fans. On the other hand, the Tifosi hope that the partnership with Lewis Hamilton doesn’t turn into a “Vettel 2.0.” When the German arrived in Italy, he was one of the best drivers on the grid, and Ferrari fans saw in him the one who could end the title drought.
Similarly, the Ferrari faithful now hope that Lewis Hamilton can fulfill the role that Sebastian Vettel couldn’t quite make his own. The most successful driver paired with the most iconic team — it seems like a match made in heaven. With the hope, which has turned into a distant dream over the last 16 years, that there might finally be a happy ending.
