As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches its thrilling conclusion, Ferrari has been quietly making strides in the standings, outscoring rivals McLaren and Red Bull in two of the last four races. Despite being 48 points off the lead, Ferrari’s consistent performance places them in contention for the teams’ trophy, especially as McLaren and Red Bull’s ongoing rivalry continues to dominate the headlines. McLaren currently leads the standings, having taken the top spot from Red Bull since the Baku race and sitting 40 points ahead of the reigning champions, with Ferrari trailing closely behind.
While the Drivers’ Championship appears to be leaning towards Max Verstappen, who holds a substantial 57-point lead over Lando Norris, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is closing the gap to Norris, now just 22 points behind. The competitive dynamic between these teams has added an extra layer of excitement to the final races of the season, with both team and driver championships up for grabs. The championship races have created a charged atmosphere as each team fights to establish supremacy, particularly with McLaren and Red Bull’s high-profile feud.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has emphasized their advantage in flying “under the radar” while McLaren and Red Bull have garnered most of the media attention. Vasseur believes this has provided Ferrari with a strategic benefit, allowing them to focus on their performance without the external pressure that often accompanies high-profile rivalries. He expressed satisfaction with their position, stating, “Let’s stay under the radar and stay focused on what we are doing,” highlighting the importance of maintaining focus amidst the chaos of the championship battle.
Ferrari’s recent success was marked by their first 1-2 finish of the season at the United States Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc finishing ahead of Carlos Sainz. As the team heads to the Mexican Grand Prix, Sainz has secured pole position, a surprising achievement considering Ferrari’s earlier focus on race pace in practice sessions. Vasseur acknowledged this unexpected result as a positive development, noting that while race pace has been a strength for Ferrari, the qualifying outcome indicates a growing competitive edge.
Looking ahead to the Mexican Grand Prix, Vasseur remains optimistic about their race pace, stressing the importance of a strong start given the track’s long straight to Turn 1. Although securing pole position is advantageous, he cautioned that maintaining position during the race will require strategic execution. Vasseur expressed confidence in their ability to compete effectively, citing recent improvements and strong performance in race simulations. As the season unfolds, Ferrari aims to capitalize on their consistent form while remaining focused amid the ongoing rivalry between McLaren and Red Bull.