Ferrari’s quest for a record-extending 17th Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship remains unfulfilled following a fierce 2024 season battle with McLaren and Red Bull.
Heading into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari faced a daunting 21-point gap to McLaren, needing an extraordinary result to overtake their rivals. The odds were stacked against them, especially after Charles Leclerc incurred a 10-place grid penalty for a new energy store installation and suffered a shocking Q2 elimination. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz, lining up on the second row for his final race with Ferrari, capitalized on Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri’s first-corner clash. Despite these efforts, Lando Norris’s commanding drive to secure his fourth win of the season ensured McLaren retained their position. Charles Leclerc’s remarkable climb from 19th to a podium finish in third provided a silver lining but wasn’t enough to shift the standings.
While fans tend to focus on the Drivers’ Championship, financial rewards for team personnel are typically linked to Constructors’ standings. A report from the Italian website *Autoracer* has shed light on the bonuses Ferrari staff earned after finishing second to McLaren this season.
Estimated Bonuses for Ferrari Staff from the Constructors’ Finish
Though Formula 1 prize distribution figures aren’t officially disclosed, *Autoracer* estimates the total pot for all teams ranges between £1.1 billion and £1.25 billion annually. Ferrari, bolstered by historical bonuses tied to their unmatched tenure in F1, is projected to receive approximately £39 million, aiding compliance with the cost cap heading into 2025.
The report highlights that Ferrari consistently allocates a substantial portion of their earnings for staff bonuses. For 2024, this translated to around €14,500 per team member, approximately £12,000. While this figure aligns with previous seasons, it would have been higher had Ferrari clinched the Constructors’ title.
Red Bull, on the other hand, faced reduced bonuses attributed to Sergio Perez’s inability to consistently match Max Verstappen’s performance. Ferrari, however, had no such concerns, with Charles Leclerc outscoring his Maranello teammate by 66 points in what was a strong showing for both drivers.
Scuderia Ferrari Targets 2025 Constructors’ Championship with Lewis Hamilton
Looking ahead, Ferrari’s hopes for a triumphant 2025 season rest heavily on the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who replaces Carlos Sainz. Although major regulation changes won’t take effect until 2026, Hamilton’s experience and pedigree are expected to provide a competitive edge in their fight against McLaren.
It’s worth noting that Carlos Sainz’s contributions to Ferrari’s progress, particularly in car development, have been instrumental. Since an aerodynamic upgrade at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona briefly set the team back, Ferrari has made steady improvements. If the 2025 car can deliver both speed and comfort for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, the Maranello team could emerge as McLaren’s primary challengers for the Constructors’ crown.
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