Ferrari had its disappointing first race of the Formula 1 season at the Chinese GP as it failed to finish on the podium for the first time in 2024.
The SF-24, which had become Red Bull’s closest competitor in the first 4 rounds of the season, did not prove to be as strong at the Shanghai International Circuit. Regardless, the focus was on the internal war. between its drivers after the hot spots between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in Saturday’s race and Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Leclerc warned his team-mate “pushed the limits a little bit” in his defence of fourth position when the Ferraris touched in the closing laps of the sprint, while Sainz said after Sunday’s big race that either was at a disadvantage when he broke away. The sister car in the first corner at the beginning.
“I’d prefer not to comment yet that it’s clear that it takes us two positions, so it didn’t help either of us,” Sainz said of an incident in which the Ferraris dropped George Russell’s slower Mercedes.
Ferrari’s internal momentum this year is closely watched given that Sainz has already completed the season knowing that he will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton for 2025, the Spaniard, who has been strong since the crusade, is in the market for a new dynamic amid potential opportunities at Red Bull. , Mercedes and Sauber/Audi.
Speaking on the post-China edition of the Sky Sports F1 podcast, commentator David Croft said that while he didn’t think Ferrari would necessarily upset their drivers for fighting hard, they would possibly want to reach out to them to remind them of more than their duels. It won’t come at the expense of the team’s collective perspectives.
“[Team principal] Fred Vasseur spoke to any of the riders after the Sprint race and before the Grand Prix, and I’m sure he made a big difference from the start of the race,” Croft said.
“They were aiming for third place, they lost places at the start, there are a lot of fights between the riders. I’m not worried, and I don’t think Ferrari necessarily cares. “
“After all, let’s take a look at Monza last year, where they allowed Charles and Carlos to hit the wheels in the closing laps and give us wonderful entertainment on that occasion. And nothing was said about it other than praise for the team and the drivers for doing the best they can.
“It’s just when it starts to hurt them, and I don’t think it hurts them this weekend, other than the start where Carlos was forced to stop playing.
“It was Charles Leclerc’s understeer that caused this problem, rather than the fact that he was looking to take his team-mate off the road.
“But I think maybe they’ll do another session, and don’t forget that ‘look, we’re in a smart position to take second in the championship, we don’t need to waste it’. Carlos, I know you. . “” I’m leaving, but come on, you’ve got to do your part for the team here. “
In Sunday’s first-lap war, in which Sainz went off the track at the start, Croft added: “Carlos is right: they lost a bit of ground and that loss of ground had a knock-on effect.
“So they lost positions at the beginning, they tried too hard to get positions back to where they didn’t necessarily want them if they were just in position, and then it cost them dearly towards the end.
“They didn’t maximize their chances. I don’t think they would have gotten third place, which was their goal before the race. Ferrari thought they had the speed to finish third. “
Croft joined as a guest on the podcast via Christian Hewgill, the host of The Fast And The Curious, who is not surprised to see the early season flashpoints between Leclerc and Sainz.
“If you get kicked out through Ferrari [like Sainz did], I think it’s inevitable,” Hewgill said.
“If I was still under contract with this team for another two years and I thought, ‘Maybe I have a chance to win a world championship with this team if I have this team around me,’ then I could just play another game.
“So, the moment Ferrari has committed to Lewis Hamilton for 2025, it opens up the option that 2024 will be a more complicated year to manage between its two drivers. “
Ferrari’s clever early-season form means it is closer to leader Red Bull (45 points) than third-place McLaren (55 points) in the constructors’ championship ahead of next week’s Miami Grand Prix.
But Lando Norris’ impressive second-place finish in Shanghai has raised expectations for McLaren customers this season, with Hewgill adding: “McLaren is knocking on the door, so they [Leclerc and Sainz] can’t face a scenario where they face each other. they need to give. “
Outclassed in China, but is there hope on the horizon for the Scuderia and its drivers in their quest for Red Bull dominance?
In his post-race interview with Sky Sports F1, Leclerc said that while he saw no positives from Ferrari’s disappointing weekend in Shanghai, he remained hopeful about his car’s next update.
“I think what will be a game-changer is the upgrade, so we’ll have to focus on that,” Leclerc said.
“As soon as we have them, they’ll give us for the rest of the season, so we’ll have to get it right. “
Croft understands the new package will arrive in time for Miami, the second straight weekend of the season.
“We communicated about McLaren and its upcoming updates. Leclerc described Ferrari’s upcoming updates as a ‘game-changer’,” Croft added.
“So we’ll see where that happens as well. As far as I know, they’re coming to Miami. Introducing updates on a Sprint weekend is never ideal, but incorporating them now is better for Imola, because it doesn’t make sense. in seeking the best. ” Anything for Monaco. “
Don’t watch an episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast. Subscribe now to: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Loudspeaker
Swap the first alarms for a nightly primetime watch on Sky Sports F1 as Formula 1 makes its first of three visits to the US. The Miami GP will be held in the U. S. in 2024, with the Miami GP from May 3-5. Compete in every F1 race and more with NOW Sports Monthly Subscription: No Contract, Cancel Anytime
Stream Sky Sports live without a contract with a one-month or one-day subscription NOW. Instant live action from the Premier League, EFL, F1, England cricket, tennis and much more.