Ferrari urged to address key Carlos Sainz concern ahead of Lewis Hamilton's F1 debut

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Ferrari entered the final race of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign with their eyes set on ending a 16-year championship drought.

Team principal Frederic Vasseur had high hopes for securing the Constructors' Championship, especially after Oscar Piastri spun out at Turn 1 following contact with Max Verstappen. However, despite strong performances from both drivers, the Scuderia fell short.

Carlos Sainz, competing in his last race for Ferrari before his move to Williams, delivered a podium finish alongside teammate Charles Leclerc. Yet, Lando Norris' victory in Abu Dhabi sealed McLaren's first team championship of the century, edging Ferrari out by just 14 points.

Charles Leclerc's race was nothing short of spectacular, recovering 16 places to finish strongly, but even his remarkable drive couldn't tip the scales. The Maranello team’s late-season form showed promise, with improvements coming after a rocky period marred by a failed update package introduced in Spain. However, persistent strategic blunders throughout the year proved costly, ultimately making the difference in their narrow title defeat.

Speaking to *The Race*, technical expert Gary Anderson highlighted Ferrari's strategy issues as a critical area for improvement heading into 2025. The Northern Irish semi-retired racing car designer and motorsport pundit emphasized that addressing the concerns raised by Carlos Sainz about the team’s decision-making on race days is essential, especially with Lewis Hamilton set to join the Scuderia. Gary Anderson warned that ironing out these flaws will be crucial if Ferrari hopes to mount a stronger title challenge with Hamilton in the cockpit next season.

Discussing Ferrari's performance in 2024 and potential areas for improvement in 2025, Gary Anderson suggested that the team needs to address its tendency to take too long to recognize when it has pursued the wrong development path. He pointed out that Ferrari’s mid-season slump was a significant factor in losing the 2024 title. He also stressed the importance of avoiding strategy errors, which have historically hindered the team.

Anderson noted that Ferrari appeared to handle high-pressure situations differently from routine ones, which led to costly mistakes. He cited the Las Vegas Grand Prix as an example, where errors frustrated both drivers. He emphasized that the strategy team should always focus on making decisions based on the immediate situation, whether the drivers are competing at the front or farther down the field. While Ferrari has made strides in improving its strategic approach, Anderson highlighted Carlos Sainz's frequent radio messages suggesting adjustments or voicing dissatisfaction with calls during races. With Lewis Hamilton joining the team, Gary Anderson asserted that the Maranello team must ensure it resolves these issues to meet the demands of the upcoming season.

Anderson cautioned that Charles Leclerc might face a significantly altered team dynamic at Ferrari this year following Carlos Sainz's departure.

Leclerc and Sainz shared a cordial and productive relationship during their time as teammates, a dynamic that contributed to a relatively harmonious working environment. However, while Leclerc and Hamilton do not have any known animosity between them, Anderson suggested that the camaraderie could quickly evaporate if the two find themselves locked in a fierce championship battle. The rivalry for supremacy within the team could strain their relationship, especially if both drivers are equally competitive.

Anderson also speculated that Ferrari's management might tilt their support toward Hamilton at the start of the season, partly due to the substantial financial commitment they've made to secure the seven-time world champion. He noted that Hamilton's salary is likely to be significantly higher than Leclerc's, a disparity that might not sit well with Leclerc or his team, particularly if it results in perceived favoritism toward the British driver in key decisions.

Despite Ferrari's efforts to resolve longstanding issues, Anderson remarked that their 2024 season was far from flawless, with strategic missteps still causing problems at critical moments. He highlighted the Las Vegas Grand Prix as a prime example, where poor strategy decisions marred what could have been a stronger performance. According to Anderson, Ferrari must address these lingering weaknesses to fully capitalize on their potential and provide a stable platform for both Leclerc and Hamilton to compete effectively.

After the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Ferrari faced criticism for their strategic decisions affecting both drivers, Carlos Sainz told the press that the race highlighted the importance of executing everything flawlessly in Formula 1 on a consistent basis. He acknowledged that while the team had generally performed well in terms of strategy and race management throughout the season, they fell short on this particular occasion. The Spanish driver emphasized the need for Ferrari to learn from the experience and ensure they return stronger for the Qatar Grand Prix.

Leclerc was visibly upset with Sainz after missing out on a podium finish, but Ferrari later clarified to him that some of the issues stemmed from his own mistakes during the race. The team reportedly reviewed his performance and pointed out where he had contributed to his own challenges. Additionally, Leclerc’s working relationship with his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, might have influenced their ability to make optimal split-second decisions, further complicating the situation.

Gary Anderson predicts Monaco Grand Prix as the pivotal event for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's rivalry

Should Ferrari maintain the upward trajectory they demonstrated at the end of last season, they stand a solid chance of contending for both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. However, managing the dynamic between their star drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, will be a critical challenge for team principal Frederic Vasseur.

While Red Bull and Mercedes will likely focus their efforts solely on Max Verstappen and George Russell respectively, Ferrari—like McLaren—could face internal competition. Balancing the ambitions of two title-contending drivers will require careful management to avoid internal friction.

According to Gary Anderson, the early races of the 2025 season will set the tone for Ferrari’s championship strategy. Speaking to The Race, he singled out the Monte Carlo Grand Prix as a likely turning point in the Leclerc-Hamilton rivalry. Gary Anderson noted that both drivers excel on the iconic street circuit. Hamilton, a three-time winner in Monaco, brings experience and precision, while Charles Leclerc, after years of heartbreak at his home race, finally triumphed there last season, showcasing his exceptional talent.

Gary Anderson believes the race could serve as a definitive “showdown” between the two drivers, potentially determining who the Maranello team will back for the remainder of the championship campaign.

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