The 2024 Formula 1 constructors’ championship is heading for a nail-biting conclusion, with Ferrari trailing McLaren by just 21 points heading into the season finale at Yas Marina. As the pressure mounts, Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has made it clear he’s shutting out all distractions to give his team the best shot at securing their first constructors’ title since 2008.
“No Politics, Just Racing,” Says Vasseur
In the aftermath of a drama-filled Qatar Grand Prix that saw penalties shake up the standings, Vasseur was asked about controversies surrounding decisions affecting key rivals Lando Norris and George Russell. The Frenchman refused to get drawn into debates, emphasizing Ferrari’s singular focus on the task ahead.
“Honestly, I didn’t even see the video yesterday,” Vasseur told media. “Let me be focused on Abu Dhabi, and I don’t want to start politics now. I’ve stayed away from the politics all season, and I won’t start before the last one.”
The Maranello-based team capitalized in Lusail, with Charles Leclerc delivering a stellar second-place finish, while McLaren’s Norris stumbled after a 10-second stop-and-go penalty, which limited him to 10th.
Leclerc: “Everything Is Possible”
Ferrari’s championship hopes rest heavily on Leclerc, who’s fired up for the Yas Marina showdown. The Monegasque driver is optimistic but realistic about the challenge ahead, given McLaren’s consistency this season.
“21 points is still a lot, but everything is possible, and we’ll give it our all,” Leclerc said. “It’s going to be very tight, but it’s exciting.”
Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz, who suffered a puncture in Qatar, will also be critical to Ferrari’s campaign as they aim to outscore both Norris and Oscar Piastri.
What’s at Stake
The constructors’ championship battle has been a two-horse race for months, with Ferrari and McLaren leapfrogging Red Bull’s one-man show led by Max Verstappen. While McLaren retains the upper hand, a 21-point margin leaves room for surprises, especially if reliability issues or strategy missteps come into play.
For Ferrari, the formula is straightforward: outscore McLaren in both cars and hope for trouble-free races. Yas Marina’s 58-lap layout offers a mix of high-speed straights and tight corners, presenting opportunities for overtaking but also requiring razor-sharp execution.
The Fans’ Grand Finale
The McLaren-Ferrari rivalry has reignited memories of classic F1 battles, with fans of both teams eagerly awaiting the season-defining moment. If Abu Dhabi delivers even a fraction of the drama seen in Qatar, expect fireworks on and off the track.
For now, Vasseur is ensuring that Ferrari keeps its head down, stays out of controversies, and races like champions—because come Sunday, every point will count.
