SUMMARY
- Ferrari's SF-24 excels in tire management, crucial for challenging Red Bull's dominance.
- Vasseur praises SF-24's improved drivability and development, signaling Ferrari's resurgence.
Scuderia Ferrari suffered from technical issues as well as poor management in the last few years and it is no secret. But they seem to be on a new trajectory altogether as the SF-24, the team’s 2024 challenger, spearheaded commanding P1 and P2 finishes at the Australian Grand Prix. This came off as a breath of fresh air for most fans as many believed that watching Max Verstappen win races had become a run-of-the-mill job.
The Maranello-based team’s latest invention boasts vastly improved tire wear characteristics. While raw speed may not be the most significant advancement compared to last year, team principal Fred Vasseur highlights their achievement of conquering tire management issues. This newfound control is paramount if Ferrari intends to challenge Red Bull’s longstanding dominance.
Vasseur hails Ferrari SF-24: Labels it an easy drive
Since Verstappen’s controversial championship win in Abu Dhabi 2021, the 2023 constructors champions have been a juggernaut, securing a staggering 41 victories in the past 48 races. However, Ferrari might just replace Mercedes as Red Bull’s biggest competitor. The SF-24 itself demonstrates a significant improvement in handling.
“The machine [SF-24] is much more driveable than last year. It is easier for drivers, but also for us to develop it and we hope this is the key to improving during the season.” – Fred Vasseur
This gives me genuine positivity Ferrari may actually be able to challenge Max soon #F1 pic.twitter.com/kmTCN4uJsP
— Simon Dau (@there_is_no_if) March 26, 2024
According to Vasseur, “The car is much more drivable than last year. It’s easier for the drivers. But also for us to develop, and we hope that this is the key to improving during the season. We have improved a lot in tire management, but also because we have a more predictable and easier car to drive. This helps a lot with the tires.” The French boss highlighted how Ferrari hit a development ceiling with their car.
The Melbourne race served as a showcase of Ferrari’s newfound prowess. The SF-24 performed consistently across all three race sectors, demonstrating its versatility on a track with diverse challenges. They demonstrated genuine pace in Melbourne, indicating that the legacy team is regaining its strength. This bodes well for the future, particularly in sprint races where adaptability is crucial.
Ferrari unfazed by Red Bull comparisons
Fred Vasseur lauded the efforts of the team for making it to the top spots in Australia. The Italian team has been the only one on the grid to win races in 2023 and 2024 against Red Bull’s dominant streak. Carlos Sainz secured the win in the Albert Park Circuit, followed by teammate Charles Leclerc, who also set the fastest lap.
📰: Frederic Vasseur believes their 1-2 finish in the Australian Grand Prix showcased their capability to put Red Bull under pressure. Vasseur acknowledged that while they may not replicate such success every weekend, when they perform at their best, they can challenge Red Bull… pic.twitter.com/2BKXRKQPe3
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) March 24, 2024
The latest grand win propelled Ferrari within four points of Red Bull in the championship, marking a satisfying weekend execution for Vasseur. Nonetheless, the team lead dismissed all comparisons with the reigning champions. Vasseur revealed, “No, I’m not focused at all on the performance of Red Bull. I’m focused on the performance of our car.”
He further added, “We made a huge step forward, perhaps in the pace of one lap that is true, but we were nowhere last year on the one lap pace. We made a huge step, I think it’s more the consistency between the two compounds… When we are putting everything together, we can put them a little bit under pressure. And it’s when they are under pressure that they will also have more mistakes.”
Fred Vassuer announced his plans to not only contend for the championship title but also end Red Bull’s dominance by putting them “under pressure”. He shrugged off the performance delivered by the Austrian outfit, focusing instead on Ferrari’s strides with its revamped car concept for 2024. He remains optimistic about the team’s short and long-term prospects.