After a tough weekend in Brazil and two masterclasses in the prior Grand Prix races, Ferrari is looking to regain momentum at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
With a 36-point gap to close against McLaren in the fight for first place in the Formula 1 constructors’ championship, the Scuderia Ferrari is relying on their exceptional driver duo to score big on a track that could suit them well.
Read more:
- “Bullshit” : think twice before criticizing NASCAR’s playoff system-this champion won’t hold back…
- Drama for the Tifosis: Carlos Sainz won’t be driving his usual Ferrari F1 car for the final laps of the year!
Brazilian GP: a weekend to forget for Ferrari
The heavy rain at Interlagos wasn’t kind to Scuderia Ferrari. Charles Leclerc, after a brilliant win in Austin and Carlos Sainz’s triumph in Mexico, had to settle for a lackluster fifth place. The result? Only 10 points scored—two less than McLaren. To make matters worse, Carlos Sainz saw his race ruined by a crash and a DNF. According to Frédéric Vasseur, the Italian team’s director, the Spaniard is ready to bounce back: “Carlos has shown resilience in the past, and I’m confident he’ll come back stronger in Vegas. We faced unexpected issues, like the manhole cover incident, but that won’t happen again.”Indeed, this accident—hopefully an isolated one—should not reoccur, allowing Sainz to properly tackle the circuit during this year’s free practice sessions.
Las Vegas GP: a golden opportunity
The Las Vegas track, with its unique asphalt and long straights, could play to Ferrari’s strengths, as Vasseur pointed out: “It’s a circuit that resembles others where we’ve performed well this season. Last year, we also had a good pace here.” In fact, with so much emphasis on top speed, the Las Vegas circuit is reminiscent of Monza, where Charles Leclerc claimed his second victory of the year. If the goal is to close the gap with McLaren, Ferrari will need to seize every opportunity. The drivers, supported by an optimistic Vasseur, face additional pressure: proving that the Scuderia can still compete with the best, even against fierce competition like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
The F1 constructors’ championship at stake
So the question is: can Ferrari still win the 2024 Formula 1 season? With 36 points separating them from McLaren, Ferrari faces an uphill battle, but it’s not impossible. Fred Vasseur remains confident: “This isn’t a catastrophic situation. We know what we’re capable of. In Vegas, every point will be crucial, and we have to aim high.” Beyond strategy, the team will also need to avoid the costly mistakes that have plagued them this season, whether in qualifying or pitstops. With only a few races left, Ferrari cannot afford any errors if they hope to surpass McLaren and end the season on a high note. McLaren, however, also boasts an exemplary driver lineup. While Piastri’s performances have dipped over the past three races, he’s still shown impressive potential.
F1’s return to Buenos Aires: how a rising star and a fervent nation could make the impossible happen
This article explores Ferrari’s struggles in Brazil, the unique challenges of the Las Vegas circuit, and the Scuderia’s battle to overtake McLaren in the constructors’ championship to claim glory this 2024 season.
Featured image: Scuderia Ferrari media
