Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur claims the team has made significant progress in the 2024 F1 season compared to the previous year.
With a remarkable 60% increase in points compared to the same stage last year, the Ferrari boss insists they have made major strides in their quest for championship glory amid recent performance tumble.
As of mid-August 2024, the Maranello outfit has accumulated 134 more points than they had at the same juncture in the 2023 season. This statistic highlights the team’s determination and the effectiveness of the strategic adjustments made under Vasseur’s leadership.
The 2024 campaign has seen Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz deliver impressive results, with Leclerc securing a race win and four additional podium finishes, while Sainz has also tasted victory and graced the podium on multiple occasions.
Despite the positive trajectory, Ferrari has encountered challenges that have affected their performance. The introduction of an upgrade package at the Spanish Grand Prix led to issues with porpoising, a phenomenon where the car bounces at high speeds, impacting stability and performance.
However, Vasseur is confident in Ferrari’s progress which is further bolstered by their ability to compete closely with top contenders such as Red Bull and McLaren. Four teams are now capable of winning races, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the championship battle.
“I think in the first part of the season, all the way to China, Red Bull flew,” Vasseur said. “Then there was a good sequence between us, McLaren and Mercedes.
“I think everyone has done a similar job, it is not often that at this point of the year there are four teams able to win the championship.”
In response to concerns about the Scuderia’s decline in performance in comparison to their closest rivals, Vasseur highlighted the narrower margin of victory against Red Bull in 2023.
He added: “I’m not a big fan of the statistics, but we got about 60% more points than a year ago after 12 races, reducing the gap from Red Bull.”
Ferrari currently sit P3 in the Constructors’ Championship, 63 points down on leaders Red Bull.
