Why Ferrari's fight against McLaren at Yas Marina was 'impressive' despite missing out on F1 title
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Scuderia Ferrari came tantalizingly close to claiming the Constructors' Championship this season but ultimately fell short as McLaren secured the title in Abu Dhabi.
The Italian side delivered a strong performance at the Yas Marina Circuit, with Charles Leclerc charging through the field to secure third place, joining teammate Carlos Sainz, who finished second. This double podium effort highlighted Ferrari’s ability to push McLaren right to the wire.
The pressure was palpable, especially after Oscar Piastri lost significant time due to a collision with Max Verstappen, raising the possibility that any mistake from race leader Lando Norris might have swung the championship in Ferrari's favor. Despite the odds, McLaren held firm, leaving Ferrari to reflect on an impressive yet ultimately second-place finish.
Over the course of the season, Ferrari proved competitive and adept at minimizing poor results, allowing them to maintain a credible title challenge despite McLaren and Red Bull enjoying longer periods of dominance. Their victories at marquee events such as Monaco, where Charles Leclerc dominated, and the Italian Grand Prix, as well as a win in Austin, showcased the team's ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe expressed his admiration for Ferrari's efforts, noting their ability to impress even without winning their first Constructors' Championship since 2008.
Ferrari's strength lay in consistency rather than outright speed, as they rarely possessed the fastest car on the grid this year. Both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz demonstrated remarkable skill in extracting the maximum performance from the SF-24, even when the car was outclassed by rivals.
When one driver faltered, such as the Monegasque driver’s tough outing in Austria, the other stepped up. Carlos Sainz's third-place finish at the Red Bull Ring, following a collision between Verstappen and Norris, ensured Ferrari remained a threat.
Scuderia Ferrari's adaptability across varying conditions was also a highlight. For instance, in Mexico City, they performed well despite the challenges posed by the high altitude, which necessitated a drag-heavy rear wing to counter reduced air density and downforce.
Hinchcliffe believes it was this season-long consistency that enabled Ferrari to mount a credible challenge against McLaren. Speaking on the *Off Track with Hinch and Rossi* podcast, he emphasized that Ferrari's ability to stay competitive, even without consistently having the fastest car, was a testament to their resilience and strategic execution: "Ferrari, great job. Very few times this year did they have the fastest car on a race weekend. That's actually what's so impressive about the fact that they took that thing down to the last lap of the championship because both their guys were just so good at bringing home those fourths to sevenths when their cars were average.” – he pointed out.
James Hinchcliffe continued: “McLaren had the strongest car in a bunch of races. Mercedes had the strongest car in a bunch of races. Obviously, Red Bull started with the strongest car. But Ferrari, you could say Austin, and you would have thought Vegas, but then Mercedes showed up and blitzed them in Vegas." – he added.
Ferrari is set for a major shakeup as Carlos Sainz departs the team to join Williams, following the announcement that Lewis Hamilton will take his place alongside Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season.
Sainz, confident in his abilities, believes he is stronger than Hamilton, his successor at Ferrari. However, adapting to Williams' midfield ambitions may present a challenge, especially as the team focuses on rebuilding rather than competing for podiums. Sainz's experience could be key in helping Williams move forward, but the adjustment to a different competitive environment will undoubtedly take time.
Ferrari, meanwhile, is well-positioned to carry their strong momentum into 2025. Closing the 2024 season on a high note, the Scuderia now boasts an enviable driver pairing with Leclerc and Hamilton. Both have a wealth of race-winning experience, making them formidable contenders as the team aims to reclaim championship glory.
Elsewhere, the Maranello team's rivals may face challenges of their own. Red Bull could encounter difficulties, particularly if Liam Lawson steps up to partner Max Verstappen. The heightened pressure of competing at the front of the grid may pose significant hurdles for the young driver.
Mercedes, too, will be navigating new dynamics with the introduction of Kimi Antonelli. The rookie Italian driver will join George Russell, but the steep learning curve of Formula 1 could mean a period of adjustment as Antonelli finds his footing in the top tier of motorsport.
This influx of younger, less experienced drivers at Red Bull and Mercedes could provide Ferrari with an early advantage in 2025. While their competitors work to acclimate new talent to the demands of high-stakes racing, Ferrari's established and battle-hardened lineup may allow them to hit the ground running, keeping their championship aspirations firmly in sight.
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