Ferrari could not have clinched their first constructors’ championship in 16 years in 2024, however for the primary time in lots of seasons, they gave the impression to be a crew that might genuinely problem for the title, supplied they preserve their present trajectory. Whereas there was pure disappointment in narrowly lacking out to McLaren by a mere 14 factors, that sentiment was shortly overshadowed by a renewed sense of optimism and pleasure about what the longer term may maintain.
Crew Principal Frederic Vasseur delivered a charismatic efficiency when he hosted a gathering of worldwide media at an occasion area overlooking Ferrari’s iconic Fiorano check observe, within the firm of the crew’s conventional end-of-season Christmas luncheon.
Usually described as one of the crucial demanding roles in sport, the stress on the chief of System 1’s most iconic crew is immense. Nevertheless, the previous Alfa Romeo crew boss has tailored to his position with outstanding ease, demonstrating a pure consolation within the high-stress setting.
It’s nonetheless early days in his tenure, in fact. This was solely his second 12 months on the helm of Ferrari, and each he and the crew are optimistic concerning the long-term partnership. The constructive indicators from this season, nonetheless, can’t be ignored.
The French supervisor is a likable and approachable chief, recognized for his capability to defuse tense moments together with his dry humorousness. His strategy has confirmed profitable at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters, the place his all-encompassing work ethic and administration type have empowered his crew members to take dangers with out concern of retribution.
Whereas the last word aim stays elusive – bringing the championship again to Italy – Ferrari’s true ambition lies within the institution of a brand new period of dominance, akin to the one they loved with Michael Schumacher between 2000 and 2004, or the continuing success Purple Bull and Mercedes have skilled in recent times. Regardless of the absence of a title this season, Frederic Vasseur is content material with the progress the crew has made.
“It was a superb season for us, for certain with ups and down as with everybody, however with extra ups than downs,” – the Ferrari crew principal identified in a current dialogue with F1 Correspondent & Presenter Lawrence Barretto that passed off in a location shut from founder Enzo Ferrari’s home. “It was an excellent season in comparison with 2023. We’re entering into the suitable route. We improved in each single pillar of efficiency – reliability, technique, pit stops, pure efficiency and on KPIs, we have been 5 wins towards one and on factors, we scored 60% extra factors in 2024 than 2023.” – the Frenchman added.
“Every thing goes in the suitable route. We missed the final step, however after we went to Abu Dhabi, the share of likelihood to win was very low. After Saturday, it was lower than very low. It’s true after Lap 2 or 3, I say ‘ah the planets are virtually aligned now, let’s push’. Nevertheless it’s not in Abu Dhabi that we missed one thing. Abu Dhabi itself was a superb occasion, it’s extra in Canada we had a double zero, or within the summertime we missed one thing.”
The Maranello crew has made a outstanding restoration after a mid-season droop, ending the 12 months on a excessive be aware with each Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc securing podium finishes in Abu Dhabi. Within the grand scheme of issues, this represented a major leap ahead for the crew.
In 2024, they have been simply 14 factors behind the leaders, a drastic enchancment from the staggering 454-point deficit they confronted the earlier 12 months. Alongside this spectacular improve in factors, their fee of podium finishes rose by 175%, and their common factors per race noticed a 44.91% enchancment in comparison with 2023. Whereas these statistics weren’t sufficient to safe the championship, they replicate the form of progress that, if maintained constantly, may place Ferrari to make that essential remaining leap. The truth that Ferrari managed to surpass the reigning world champions, Purple Bull and Mercedes, in such a convincing method is a daring assertion of intent, despite the fact that they finally fell brief to McLaren.
What has been the important thing to this transformation in 2024? “There isn’t a massive distinction,” the French supervisor replied – “We try to enhance on each single space of the efficiency, in each single division of the corporate. It’s small step by small step. It’s not a case of getting one thing with a game-changer – there isn’t a magic bullet. It’s essential maintain this mindset and push everybody within the group to attempt to do a greater job, attempt to save one gram on every half and this I feel we did a superb step ahead over the past month. For certain it’s not sufficient however we’re entering into the suitable route. It’s a no-end challenge, a no-end course of to recruit, to develop, to attempt to do a greater job.” – the Ferrari crew boss continued.
Ferrari’s drivers delivered distinctive performances in 2024, with each Carlos Sainz, who will be part of Williams subsequent season, and Charles Leclerc attaining career-high factors totals, enjoying an integral position within the crew’s progress.
Crew Principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged that Leclerc had made a notable enchancment, particularly in race administration, which included not solely tire administration but additionally higher dealing with of the general race technique. He noticed that Leclerc’s strategy was extra targeted, with fewer moments of distraction, contributing to a extra composed efficiency. Regardless of going through challenges in the course of the season, significantly in Austria, Spain, and the UK, Leclerc demonstrated resilience, bouncing again every time with a constructive angle. Vasseur emphasised that this capability to get better from tough conditions was important each for Leclerc’s improvement and for the crew’s morale.
Relating to Carlos Sainz, Fred Vasseur identified that the Spaniard’s efficiency within the second half of the 2023 season marked the start of Ferrari’s turnaround. Carlos Sainz’s sturdy outcomes, together with a podium and pole place in Monza and a win in Singapore, sparked a aggressive response from Leclerc, who then achieved a powerful sequence of front-row finishes. Fred Vasseur felt that this mutual push between the drivers had been instrumental in Ferrari’s restoration, praising their supportive but aggressive dynamic and expressing satisfaction with their relationship.
Waiting for 2025, Fred Vasseur anticipates a fierce four-way battle for the championship between Ferrari, McLaren, Purple Bull, and Mercedes, significantly with the soundness of technical laws. He acknowledged that each crew could be taking dangers, as not doing so would imply falling behind. Ferrari’s automotive improvement is an ongoing problem, and Fred Vasseur famous that because the crew enters the ultimate levels of their present automotive’s improvement, the stakes will probably be larger than ever. With the shift to the 2026 challenge looming, he emphasised that the automotive debuting in Bahrain will probably be essential for the crew’s prospects.
Fred Vasseur has made notable strides in reshaping Ferrari’s inner tradition, specializing in eradicating the concern issue and inspiring risk-taking in any respect ranges. He has no plans to change this strategy in his third season on the helm, stating that sustaining a dedication to steady enchancment is essential to long-term success. He believes that if a crew ever feels content material with its place, it indicators the start of a decline. His technique includes pushing the boundaries in each space and fostering an setting the place every single day brings the chance for enchancment.
A big change for Ferrari in 2025 would be the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will be part of the crew on a multi-year deal. The Ferrari crew boss expressed his pleasure about having one of many best drivers in System 1 historical past be part of the ranks, seeing Lewis Hamilton’s expertise as a useful asset in additional creating the crew. He believes Hamilton’s presence won’t solely profit Leclerc but additionally assist the engineers, contributing to the crew’s total progress. The French supervisor sees Lewis Hamilton’s arrival as one other constructive step in Ferrari’s ongoing evolution.
For Ferrari followers, the arrival of Lewis Hamilton marks the potential starting of a brand new and profitable chapter, with excessive hopes for a 12 months stuffed with constructive developments within the 2025 System 1 championship
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