Heads Held High
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit concluded with an impressive performance by Scuderia Ferrari HP, as Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc secured second and third places, respectively. Despite their valiant efforts, the team narrowly missed out on the Constructors’ Championship, finishing just 14 points behind McLaren—666 to 652. This marks the closest margin in the Constructors’ Championship since the current points system was introduced in 2010. The race underscored Ferrari’s resilience and determination as they capped off the season on a high note.
Carlos Sainz delivered a steady and calculated performance, applying relentless pressure on race winner Lando Norris throughout. Starting strong, he capitalized on a collision between Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, swiftly moving into second place. Despite matching Norris’ pace during both the Medium and Hard tire stints, Sainz could not force the McLaren driver into an error.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc’s race was a masterclass in strategy and execution. Starting from 19th on the grid, Leclerc’s electrifying first lap saw him climb to eighth place, gaining 11 positions in mere moments. Over the next few laps, he continued his charge, skillfully overtaking rivals and executing a perfectly timed pit stop strategy to undercut Mercedes’ George Russell. By the race’s conclusion, Leclerc had secured his 13th podium finish of the year.
Carlos Sainz reflected on his final race with Ferrari:
“We gave it everything we had. I did my best to keep Lando under pressure, but McLaren was just a bit faster today. Congratulations to them on the Constructors’ Championship—they deserve it! These four years with Ferrari have been unforgettable, and I’ll always cherish this team and the memories we’ve made. Grazie di cuore!”
Charles Leclerc highlighted the importance of teamwork and the season’s progress:
“The first lap was incredible—I gained 11 positions and managed the race well from there. While missing the Constructors’ title by 14 points is disappointing, I’m proud of the team’s efforts this season. Carlos and I pushed each other to new heights, and his contribution has been invaluable. I’m confident we’ll come back even stronger next year.”
Team Principal Fred Vasseur praised the drivers’ performances and expressed optimism for the future:
“Charles’ race was spectacular, exceeding all expectations after starting from P19. Carlos, as always, was consistent and professional, helping us achieve a strong finish. While we fell short of the title, the progress we made this year—scoring 50% more points than last season—gives us confidence for 2025.”
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix showcased Ferrari’s strategic prowess and adaptability. Carlos Sainz’s composed driving was a testament to his reliability, while Charles Leclerc’s aggressive yet calculated overtaking maneuvers exemplified his racing acumen. The team’s pit wall executed flawless strategies, enabling Leclerc’s undercut and ensuring both drivers maximized their positions.
Ferrari’s season-long improvements were evident in the SF-24’s enhanced performance during the second half of the season. The car’s upgrades, coupled with the drivers’ skill, positioned the team as strong contenders, setting the stage for further advancements in 2025.
Scuderia Ferrari HP wrapped up the season with a commendable second-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc placing third and fifth in the Drivers’ standings, respectively. While falling short of their ultimate goal, the team’s consistent growth and determination were evident throughout the season.
As Carlos Sainz bids farewell to Ferrari, his contributions leave an indelible mark on the team’s progress. Looking ahead, Ferrari’s focus shifts to building a stronger car for 2025, driven by the motivation to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of Formula 1. With the foundation laid this season, Ferrari is poised to challenge for titles in the near future.
