Ferrari roared back onto the Formula 1 scene with impressive momentum during the 2024 season, marking their strongest campaign in years. The newly engineered SF24 car showcased blistering one-lap speed and improved tire management, putting rivals like Red Bull and McLaren on alert. This translated to numerous podium finishes, with Ferrari celebrating five glorious victories and achieving their highest points tally in the franchise’s storied history.
Despite these successes, the season wasn’t without its challenges. Ferrari emerged from the shadows of long-standing tire degradation issues, yet found themselves grappling with the new hurdle of effectively warming up their tires during qualifying, which led to scrambling outcomes at pivotal moments. Mid-season, the team faced uncertainty following the failure of floor developments, resulting in inconsistent performances until the summer break. Fortunately, a suite of performance upgrades and strategic adjustments helped the Scuderia regain focus and competitiveness.
Charles Leclerc shone brightly as Ferrari's standout performer. The Monegasque driver regained his winning prowess, capturing five victories throughout the season, showcasing his exceptional ability to master tire management when the car allowed for it. Notable highlights included his pole position at Baku and his triumphant drive at Monza, which underscored his growth and capacity to deliver under pressure.
Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, solidified his role as the team’s dependable force during his farewell season with Ferrari. His victory at the Australian Grand Prix marked a cherished moment, alongside his defensive mastery at Monza, which played an integral role in the team's home circuit triumph. Though he wasn’t as quick outright as Leclerc, Sainz brought consistency and composure, clinching key points as they pushed for Constructors' championship glory.
Despite facing late-season challenges at the Las Vegas and Qatar Grands Prix—where the intricacies of tire management and on-track battles between Leclerc and Sainz proved pivotal—Ferrari fought valiantly until the final race in Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately, the might of McLaren proved insurmountable, landing Ferrari just 14 points behind them as runners-up for the Constructors' Championship. Yet, sophistication and strategy marked their drive—gone were the infamous blunders of the past; Ferrari frequently outmaneuvered rivals through astute decision-making, particularly under unpredictable racing conditions.
For many, the 2024 season was more than just about data; it was about resurgence. It reignited hope among the passionate Tifosi, who have long awaited Ferrari’s return to the forefront of Formula 1 racing. While they couldn’t clinch the coveted championship for Sainz as he bid farewell, the season nevertheless established a strong platform for future ambitions.
Eyes are now turning to the 2025 season as Ferrari gears up for new challenges. With unmistakable confidence, Leclerc anticipates the arrival of Lewis Hamilton—a seismic pairing of talent igniting excitement and expectation. Hamilton, at the strategic peak of his illustrious career, aims to silence any doubters, eager to show he can still command the sport's highest tier even as he approaches 40.
According to team principal Frederic Vasseur, the squad will roll out “Project 677,” representing a complete redesign of Ferrari’s competitive challenger for 2025. This commitment indicates Ferrari's alignment with other leading teams to not only optimize performance but also remain relevant against the backdrop of 2026 regulations. The anticipation builds as fans and analysts alike ponder if this is the year the House of Maranello returns to the podium, with Leclerc and Hamilton at the wheel.
Vasseur expressed optimism during the team's traditional end-of-season gathering, noting, “Next year it’s a new project. We’ll do a decent step forward, and I’m quite pleased with the job done at the factory.” The improvements collectively embraced echo the resilience and teamwork Ferrari championed throughout the challenging 2024 season. He highlighted, “What is giving me confidence is more the step we did compared to one year ago,” noting the entire team’s morale had undergone significant progress.
With the team’s collective feeling of capability, Ferrari fans remain hopeful as they look to transform their promising potential under the torch of former champions. The stakes promise to be high—as does the hope of countless fans eager to witness the revival of the Prancing Horse. The thrill of what lies next is evident; 2025 will undoubtedly be a season to watch.
