On the finish of the 2024 Components 1 Mexican Grand Prix, Ferrari overtook Crimson Bull within the constructors’ standings. Now, even the numbers level to the Italian aspect as McLaren’s major challenger, confirming what has been obvious on observe for the reason that Italian Grand Prix at the start of September. In simply two weekends, Ferrari has scored ninety-six factors in comparison with McLaren’s fifty, lowering the hole between the 2 groups to twenty-nine factors. The Maranello group can not cover, even when tam principal Frederic Vasseur would favor the highlight to stay on the Max Verstappen – Lando Norris rivalry; Ferrari will compete for the Constructors’ Championship.
It gained’t be straightforward, as that is additionally very clear. Technically, McLaren stays a tricky opponent with a automotive that may deal with each kind of observe and situation, however the technical steadiness that has taken form for the reason that summer time break has created a situation the place the entire package deal makes the distinction. The outcomes achieved by Ferrari between america Grand Prix in Austin and the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix aren’t as a consequence of a dominant automotive however quite an aerodynamic package deal that has labored to perfection.
Throughout final Saturday’s qualifying session, McLaren’s Lando Norris seemingly had the quickest automotive, however Carlos Sainz put all of it collectively, setting the stage for his victory twenty-four hours later on the 4.304-kilometre Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico Metropolis. The identical occurred on the Circuit of the Americas in Texas one week in the past, the place Charles Leclerc’s textbook begin (together with the now routine skirmishes between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris) created the proper situations to dominate the race. Ferrari group principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed that the Maranello group now had significantly better management over numerous conditions in comparison with the start of the 2024 Components 1 season, noting enhancements in pit stops and methods. The French supervisor acknowledged that whereas a powerful tempo from the automotive made every little thing simpler, the group had carried out effectively general through the Mexican weekend.
Reflecting on the Singapore Grand Prix, the Scuderia’s group principal recalled feeling pissed off on the flight again, sensing that they had left priceless alternatives on the desk. He felt there had been potential to compete for pole place, and ranging from the entrance might have modified the result. Nevertheless, he additionally identified that aiming excessive required each a aggressive automotive and efficient weekend administration.
In Mexico Metropolis, Ferrari left 4 factors on the desk in its direct confrontation with McLaren, essential factors that might have been gained if Charles Leclerc hadn’t made an error on the finish of the race exiting the Peraltada. Frederic Vasseur didn’t take effectively the habits of some lapped drivers, which value the Monegasque a number of seconds through the a part of the Mexican Grand Prix when Lando Norris was simply 4 seconds behind the Ferrari man.
Frederic Vasseur famous that whereas an unfortunate lapping can happen, spending 5 corners behind a driver who sees blue flags just isn’t merely dangerous luck however quite an error on the a part of the motive force failing to provide manner. He defined that Charles Leclerc misplaced each time and, extra critically, tire temperature in that part, which allowed Lando Norris to shut the hole.
Every little thing could make a distinction. Ferrari proper now has a great automotive but additionally two drivers who, when it comes to contribution to the group, are undoubtedly probably the most in-form pair, and the shut contest between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris may additionally work within the Scuderia’s favor within the Constructors’ Championship battle. Frederic Vasseur doesn’t need to depart something to likelihood; Ferrari will head to São Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix and Las Vegas with the attention of contending for a the race victory and even the difficult Qatar circuit just isn’t for use as an excuse.
The Ferrari group principal acknowledged that, on paper, the Losail circuit was not the most effective match for his or her automotive; nevertheless, he famous that predictions in Mexico had equally not anticipated them to contend for pole place. The French supervisor believed that every little thing remained open and emphasised that performing effectively throughout the whole weekend can be much more crucial in Qatar. Though unsure whether or not they would compete for first, third, or fifth place, he careworn the significance of doing their utmost to realize the absolute best end in that weekend as effectively.
— see video above —
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers find out about us
