Ferrari, known for being one of the top teams in Formula 1, has been performing relatively well in the 2024 season. However, their recent performance at the Shanghai event was lackluster, to say the least. Despite having a strong start to the season with drivers like Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz making it to the podium in the first four races, the team fell short in Shanghai. Both Leclerc and Sainz only managed to qualify in sixth and seventh place respectively, trailing behind Max Verstappen by six-tenths of a second. While they were able to make up some ground during the race and finish in fourth and fifth place, they could not catch up to McLaren’s Lando Norris who claimed second place.
Team principal Vasseur acknowledged that Ferrari made too many mistakes in trying to optimize their package for the challenging Shanghai circuit. He mentioned that the team did not have a clean weekend and collectively made errors that led to their underperformance. Vasseur emphasized the importance of perfection in such a competitive field where small details can make a significant difference. It was evident that the team struggled to adapt to the unique tarmac coating of the Shanghai track, which put them at a disadvantage in qualifying.
During the race, both Ferraris faced difficulties with grip at the start, causing them to lose positions to their competitors. Additionally, a mid-race safety car further complicated matters for Sainz, who had already made his pitstop for hard tires. Vasseur highlighted the team’s performance on different tire compounds, noting that they were less competitive on the hard tires compared to the mediums. This discrepancy in tire performance raised concerns for Ferrari and hinted at areas needing further investigation.
Despite the challenges faced by Ferrari in Shanghai, Vasseur refused to make excuses for the team’s performance. He emphasized the importance of extracting the best out of the resources available and admitted that the team did not deliver in Shanghai. The tricky surface conditions of the track and the limited practice time in the sprint format may have played a role in Ferrari’s struggles, but Vasseur stressed that these should not be used as excuses. Instead, he highlighted the need for improvement and learning from the mistakes made in Shanghai.
Ferrari’s performance in the 2024 season has been a mix of success and disappointment. While the team has shown potential in previous races, their performance in Shanghai highlighted areas that need improvement. With a competitive field and a relentless pursuit of perfection, Ferrari will need to address their mistakes and work towards better outcomes in future races.