Ferrari SF-24: why low profile approach does not mean lack of ambition for Maranello team

At exactly 12 o’clock yesterday, Ferrari unveiled the SF-24, the car that Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz hope will bring much more satisfaction than the previous project. In the brief video of just over 90 seconds, the new red car was shown, featuring several innovations based on the car that competed in the last Grand Prix of the previous season. We have dedicated a first detailed technical analysis based on the initial images released.

The clear impression from yesterday’s presentation suggests a clear attitude with everyone on board: no team member intends to waste time on chatter, aiming to approach the pre-season tests in Bahrain with completely different feelings than in 2023. The “low-key” unveiling is not a sign of lowered ambitions; quite the opposite.

Ferrari SF-24: Limited mindset or clever communication strategy?

The proven evidence that Scuderia Ferrari wants to maintain as low a profile as possible is confirmed by the first words of the Monegasque driver. Charles is an optimist by nature, although in more than one instance, in his already long journey with the Prancing Horse on his chest, his extreme confidence in the red car has rarely found confirmation on the track. In addition to the beauty of the new livery, the Ferrari driver stated that he expects a more drivable and predictable car.

Various simulations on the SF-24 simulator have convinced him. However, this satisfaction awaits confirmation, as the stated goal of the upcoming 2024 racing campaign has only one desire: to elevate the performance of the Italian car to consistently compete for victory every race Sunday.

On the same wavelength is Carlos Sainz, in the last year of his contract with the Maranello team. The Spanish driver’s enthusiasm in seeing the work realized by the designers is tangible. However, for the Spaniard, the target is clear as well: he requests a more stable and consistent car in terms of behavior throughout the race. Essentially, eliminating the perennial problem of tire management, extracting maximum potential without dramatic performance declines.

Frederic Vasseur is certainly the man in the paddock under the most pressure. The team principal of Ferrari has benefited from a year where media immunity towards him has been present. This is because the SF-23 was still born under the mandate of Mattia Binotto. 2024 marks the first true official year under the direction of the French manager.

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In this sense, harmony with the drivers regarding the objectives is total, emphasizing the importance of unity of purpose in a season where the word “rebirth” must undoubtedly be present: “We must be more cynical and effective in seizing opportunities, trying to score points in every single race, and simultaneously continuing to improve in all aspects.”

The words of the Ferrari Racing Division leader seem to stem from a mindset of a lower-ranking team. Cynicism is resorted to when one is cornered, when the opponent is superior without ifs and buts. Carlos Sainz’s victory in Singapore is the epitome of cynicism. Just as collecting points is an approach applicable when more competitors are fighting for victory.

If Red Bull, through the RB20, confirms its dominance in the upcoming championship, accumulating points for midfield positions will be a meager consolation. This raises the question of whether these are aspirations of a midfield team principal or perhaps a clever communication strategy, very useful for not creating excessive and detrimental pressure at such a delicate moment in Ferrari’s recent history.