Scuderia Ferrari mounted an admirable challenge in their quest for a first Constructors’ Championship in 16 years but ultimately fell short at the final hurdle.
Despite securing a double podium finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the team couldn’t bridge the 21-point gap to McLaren in the season’s final race. Their task was made even more daunting by Charles Leclerc’s starting position of 19th, a consequence of an energy store penalty. It’s hard not to wonder what might have been without that setback.
Carlos Sainz delivered a stellar performance, finishing a close second behind Lando Norris. However, his efforts weren’t enough to pressure Norris into a mistake or to turn the tide in Ferrari’s favor.
Ferrari Lost the 2024 Title Due to a “Catastrophic Upgrade” in Spain
While Ferrari’s late-season form was strong, with podium finishes in the last three races, their downfall stemmed from earlier missteps. A problematic upgrade introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix set them back significantly, relegating their car to the fourth-fastest on the grid during a critical phase of the European season. According to Will Buxton, speaking on F1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Post-Race show, this miscalculation may have been the key factor in their eventual loss of the constructors’ title.
“They didn’t lose the world championship tonight. They lost it in Spain with that catastrophic upgrade that they brought to the car which took it backwards. That they held on to second place in the constructors’ championship for as long as they did was a testament to just the relentless drive from them. But, they will rue that mistake, they will rue the correlation errors that led to them putting that thing on the car in the first place.” – the British motorsport journalist and presenter explained after the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi.
Can Ferrari Rebound in 2025 Formula 1 campaign?
Ferrari ends the 2024 season with what is arguably the second-fastest car, trailing only McLaren. However, they have a significant advantage heading into next year: the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton’s extensive experience with a title-winning organization could prove pivotal for Ferrari’s resurgence.
Pairing Hamilton with the ever-improving Charles Leclerc presents an exciting dynamic, but it also raises questions about team harmony. Charles Leclerc’s previous partnership with another multiple world champion, Sebastian Vettel, was fraught with tension at times. Managing this new driver lineup will fall to team principal Fred Vasseur, whose leadership will be critical in maintaining a positive working relationship between the two.
Looking ahead, Ferrari seems well-positioned to contend in 2025. However, with sweeping technical regulation changes on the horizon for 2026, the upcoming season might represent their best opportunity to reclaim championship glory. Recent performances suggest they’re on the right track, but only time will tell if they can capitalize on their potential.
