Ferrari, after the first two outings of the 2024 Formula 1 season, is clearly the second force on the field: this is the clear verdict of the track for the Scuderia. After a challenging 2023, they have comfortably positioned themselves behind Red Bull, despite various issues (technical and otherwise) encountered between Sakhir and Jeddah. This is a positive indicator, especially considering the form of the Rosso at the start of last season when McLaren, Mercedes, and even Aston Martin frequently posed a threat. This fact certifies the step forward made by the Scuderia during the winter.
This step forward has brought the Italian team back as the primary challenger to Red Bull, in a “no man’s land,” well ahead of the pack but not yet in a position to challenge the Milton Keynes team for the world championship or, as of now, for a win, given that the gap per lap is estimated at half a second. Despite a clear leaderboard, this leaves Ferrari partly puzzled about the real value of the SF-24 and its ability to have overcome the problems of 2023 (tyre management and sensitivity to wind) but especially eager to unleash, starting from the Australian GP, all the potential of the car to genuinely trouble the RB20.
A possible scenario, clearly, by unleashing all the car’s potential, working on setups and understanding of the car, but also, if not more so, on developments. And, on this aspect, the team principal of the Maranello squad, Frédéric Vasseur, spoke on the sidelines of FP2 in Melbourne. Firstly, the Frenchman highlighted the progress made by the Rosso over the last 12 months but reiterated how important it will be to significantly develop the car throughout the season to close the gap to Red Bull.
“We have taken a step forward compared to last year; we are closer to Red Bull, though still behind. If we want to achieve good results, we must push to the limit in all areas. We will continue to do so without overreacting. We are heading in the right direction but will continue the development of the small things.”
The French manager then commented on the physical condition of Carlos Sainz, returning to the car after undergoing an appendectomy two weeks ago in Jeddah. For now, conditions seem to allow Carlos to race as usual, though further evaluations will be carried out over the weekend, also seeing the Spaniard’s response to the demands of the first driving sessions during free practice.
“Things seem to be going well; he might have been behind at the start but gradually rebuilt pace and confidence. Surely by the afternoon he will have a clearer feeling, given the simulations and long runs but for now, all is ok.”
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