Ferrari’s revamped 2024 strategy focused on race-day performance, transforming driver confidence and reshaping the Scuderia’s competitive edge.
Ferrari has corrected the shortcomings of previous years by providing its drivers with a car better suited for races than for qualifying. Jock Clear, the team’s performance engineer, explained that in past seasons, it was challenging for the Scuderia to face races knowing they were at a disadvantage.
The SF-24 is slightly less sharp in qualifying, but Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz often display strong race pace on Sundays, especially in recent weekends where they have excelled in long-run performance.
“I think we’ve already mentioned that this year, we shifted our focus a bit,” Clear stated. “A few years ago, we were seen as the kings of qualifying but struggled massively on Sundays. Even last year, the balance wasn’t perfect.”
“This year, what’s encouraging is that wherever the drivers qualify, they step out of the car after qualifying and say, ‘I know I can fight in the race tomorrow.’ For the drivers, that builds a very strong mindset.”
“In previous years, Charles would step out of the car in pole position and think, ‘Now I have to try to hold on during the race.’ And that’s a real challenge, you know, when he had to endure 56 laps trying to defend a position. It’s a very different outlook.”
“Now, we approach races knowing we’ve qualified second and third. We know we can fight. We know we can win from those positions. And that’s a very, very good thing. Psychologically and technically, it’s the right way to approach racing.”
- Discover More>Alonso: The Legend Who Deserved More Than Two World Championships
- Follow us on >Facebook and >Twitter for F1 updates.
Ferrari’s Bold Approach Restores Driver Confidence Ferrari’s Bold Approach Restores Driver Confidence
