Charles Leclerc has detailed Ferrari’s key advancements in their bid for Formula 1 title contention in 2024, highlighting both personal growth and team improvements that have contributed to the Scuderia’s resurgence. With back-to-back wins in Austin and Mexico City, Ferrari has surged to second place in the Constructors’ standings, now only 29 points behind McLaren.
Leclerc credited significant improvements in his own driving, particularly with tyre management—a skill that was once a weakness but has now become one of his strengths. His mastery of tyre strategy was especially evident in his one-stop victory at Monza earlier this season.
Ferrari, known for its passionate team culture, has struggled with race strategy consistency in recent years, often becoming the subject of online memes due to on-track errors. However, 2024 has marked a shift, with Leclerc attributing much of this to Strategy Director Ravin Jain’s steady leadership. “He’s doing an exceptional job,” said Leclerc, “helping us make a big step forward” in strategic execution.
A major turning point for Ferrari has been the arrival of Team Principal Fred Vasseur. Since taking charge in 2023, Vasseur has brought a calm, clear-headed approach to the traditionally emotional team. Leclerc noted how Vasseur’s steady influence has been crucial for maintaining focus under pressure, saying, “Fred is a very emotionally flat person, at least professionally speaking, and I think that’s exactly what’s needed in Ferrari.” His consistent vision, unaffected by outside pressures, has helped Ferrari’s workforce channel their passion constructively.
Reflecting on Ferrari’s journey, Leclerc sees significant “steps” made in recent years but acknowledges there’s room to grow. “We have a clear vision of where we are now and where we want to go in terms of development,” he stated. With Ferrari holding an outside chance at both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles this season, Leclerc remains optimistic, aiming for continued progress.
“Hopefully, we’ll start with one [title] this year,” he added, signaling Ferrari’s ambitions as they enter the final rounds of the 2024 championship.
