Ferrari might 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 group that would genuinely problem for the title, supplied they keep their present trajectory. Whereas there was pure disappointment in narrowly lacking out to McLaren by a mere 14 factors, that sentiment was rapidly overshadowed by a renewed sense of optimism and pleasure about what the longer term might 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 take a look at monitor, within the firm of the group’s conventional end-of-season Christmas luncheon.
Usually described as some of the demanding roles in sport, the stress on the chief of System 1’s most iconic group is immense. Nevertheless, the previous Alfa Romeo group boss has tailored to his position with exceptional ease, demonstrating a pure consolation within the high-stress atmosphere.
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 group are optimistic concerning the long-term partnership. The optimistic indicators from this season, nonetheless, can’t be ignored.
The French supervisor is a likable and approachable chief, identified for his potential 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 model have empowered his group members to take dangers with out concern of retribution.
Whereas the last word objective 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 Crimson 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 group has made.
“It was a great season for us, for certain with ups and down as with everybody, however with extra ups than downs,” – the Ferrari group principal identified in a current dialogue with F1 Correspondent & Presenter Lawrence Barretto that happened in a location shut from founder Enzo Ferrari’s home. “It was an excellent season in comparison with 2023. We’re stepping into the precise course. We improved in each single pillar of efficiency – reliability, technique, pit stops, pure efficiency and on KPIs, we had been 5 wins towards one and on factors, we scored 60% extra factors in 2024 than 2023.” – the Frenchman added.
“Every part goes in the precise course. We missed the final step, however after we went to Abu Dhabi, the proportion of probability 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 great occasion, it’s extra in Canada we had a double zero, or within the summertime we missed one thing.”
The Maranello group has made a exceptional restoration after a mid-season hunch, 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 big leap ahead for the group.
In 2024, they had 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 mirror the type of progress that, if maintained constantly, might place Ferrari to make that essential closing leap. The truth that Ferrari managed to surpass the reigning world champions, Crimson Bull and Mercedes, in such a convincing method is a daring assertion of intent, although they in the end fell quick to McLaren.
What has been the important thing to this transformation in 2024? “There is no such thing as a huge distinction,” the French supervisor replied – “We are attempting 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 to hold 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 believe we did a great step ahead during the last month. For certain it’s not sufficient however we’re stepping into the precise course. It’s a no-end undertaking, a no-end course of to recruit, to develop, to attempt to do a greater job.” – the Ferrari group 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, taking part in an integral position within the group’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 in addition 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 dealing with challenges throughout the season, notably in Austria, Spain, and the UK, Leclerc demonstrated resilience, bouncing again every time with a optimistic angle. Vasseur emphasised that this potential to recuperate from tough conditions was crucial each for Leclerc’s improvement and for the group’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, Crimson Bull, and Mercedes, notably with the soundness of technical rules. He acknowledged that each group can 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 group enters the ultimate levels of their present automotive’s improvement, the stakes can be larger than ever. With the shift to the 2026 undertaking looming, he emphasised that the automotive debuting in Bahrain can be essential for the group’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 group ever feels content material with its place, it alerts the start of a decline. His technique includes pushing the boundaries in each space and fostering an atmosphere 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 group on a multi-year deal. The Ferrari group boss expressed his pleasure about having one of many biggest drivers in System 1 historical past be part of the ranks, seeing Lewis Hamilton’s expertise as a invaluable asset in additional growing the group. He believes Hamilton’s presence is not going to solely profit Leclerc but in addition assist the engineers, contributing to the group’s total development. The French supervisor sees Lewis Hamilton’s arrival as one other optimistic 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 filled with optimistic developments within the 2025 System 1 championship
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