Italian journalist previews Baku weekend as “Ferrari is theoretically fighting for Constructors’ Championship”. Leo Turrini previews the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend in Baku.

The 2024 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix is destined to be etched in Ferrari’s history, remembered as memorable for Charles Leclerc’s unexpected yet beautiful victory in front of the Tifosi. A race, ending in glory, where the Scuderia was obliged to achieve the best possible result, and to do so, it evolved and adapted the SF-24 specifically for its home track, to be able to compete and then secure a much-desired success, despite predictions, rivals, and doubts about the car’s endurance.

This was further complemented by Charles Leclerc’s determination and talent and the tactical masterpiece devised by the pit wall, which allowed the Monegasque to finish the race first with just one stop, outsmarting McLaren, which, despite having more speed, couldn’t respond to the ‘checkmate’ and had to concede the spotlight to the Scuderia. A Ferrari that, thanks to the home win, which is a breath of fresh air after months of difficulties during the season, can now look towards the end of the championship with more confidence, hoping to perform well and fight for further achievements.

Starting from the next race in Baku, scheduled for this weekend, Ferrari aims to capitalize as much as possible to fight, at the very least, for the second position in the Constructors’ Championship, battling against a declining Red Bull, behind a McLaren in form and heading towards important goals. Goals, such as the Constructors’ title, which on paper would not be impossible for the Maranello team to achieve, and with a real resolution of the car’s endemic problems, it might even dare to dream in the final sprint of the year. This is a scenario that has also been discussed and commented on by Italian journalist and Ferrari insider Leo Turrini in his blog “Profondo Rosso.”

“At least theoretically, Ferrari is in the fight for the Constructors’ Championship. On the extravagant Azeri circuit, it’s not uncommon for our heroes to have done well, at least on a single lap. The hope follows: if Maranello has really learned to manage the tires, then it’s not forbidden to hope for a triumph of imagination. Of course, there are many unknowns. Will Red Bull, orphaned by Newey, come out of the hole or not? Will McLaren have learned from their mistakes? Will Oscar Piastri genuinely support Lando Norris? And how is Mercedes doing?” – Leo Turrini wrote ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.

A weekend, the first after many months, where there will no longer be the media buzz about Adrian Newey’s possible future destination, as it was learned this week that he has decided to join Aston Martin starting in 2025. A move that, once again, made it impossible for Adrian to join Ferrari: a missed engagement (for various reasons and despite attempts by the Ferrari management) that, as admitted by the well-known Italian journalist, has not been painless for the Scuderia.

“I fully agree with what Charles Leclerc said in the Azeri capital: of course, we tried to get Adrian, we didn’t succeed, now we will do everything to show him that he made the wrong choice.”