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Carlos Sainz Applauds Ferrari’s Comeback: From ‘Undriveable’ to a Title Contender

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
November 19, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Carlos Sainz Applauds Ferrari’s Comeback: From ‘Undriveable’ to a Title Contender

Formula One F1 - Mexico City Grand Prix - Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico - October 27, 2024 Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr. celebrates winning Mexico City Grand Prix REUTERS/Raquel Cunha

Ferrari’s journey through the 2024 Formula 1 season has been a rollercoaster, but the team now finds itself in a strong position, thanks to a remarkable turnaround with its SF-24 car. Carlos Sainz, who recently claimed victory at the Mexican Grand Prix, didn’t hold back in praising Ferrari’s efforts to transform a car he once described as “undriveable” into a contender capable of challenging for wins—and potentially the Constructors’ Championship.


“Mid-Season Struggles: The Pain of Progress”

The season began with promise for Ferrari, as Charles Leclerc and Sainz delivered wins in Melbourne and Monaco, showcasing the SF-24’s potential. But the optimism quickly evaporated. Updates introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix sent the car into a development slump, leaving Ferrari floundering during the summer months. The SF-24 became plagued by poor handling, with Sainz describing the car as bouncing uncontrollably and difficult to drive.

“What we had in mid-season was, in a way, not acceptable and undriveable,” Sainz admitted. The Spaniard was vocal about his frustrations, calling for changes to make the car more predictable and race-ready.


“The Turning Point: Monza and Singapore Upgrades”

Ferrari’s fortunes began to shift in September, with key upgrades rolled out at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza and a flexible front wing added for the Singapore Grand Prix. These changes proved transformative, improving the car’s downforce and handling characteristics.

Sainz highlighted the significance of these updates:

“It’s been maybe a bigger step in terms of usable downforce and especially the way you can run the car with stiffnesses, etc. The car doesn’t bounce as much, and it’s into a decent window.”

With a more stable platform, Ferrari capitalized on its improvements, clinching wins in Italy, the United States, and Mexico.


“Ferrari’s Comeback: Fighting for the Title”

The resurgence has brought Ferrari back into contention for the Constructors’ Championship, currently sitting in second place with 557 points, just 36 behind leaders McLaren. Leclerc’s wins in Italy and Austin, coupled with Sainz’s triumph in Mexico, have kept the Scuderia within striking distance.

While Max Verstappen and Red Bull have dominated the Drivers’ Championship, with Leclerc trailing by 86 points, Sainz believes Ferrari’s mid-season slump cost them a potential double-title challenge. “A stronger development path could have yielded a double-title challenge,” he reflected.


“Praise for Ferrari’s Recovery”

Sainz didn’t shy away from crediting Ferrari’s ability to rebound from adversity. “I was quite vocal and critical about those struggles … but I’m the first one to praise the team’s recovery process,” he said. “The way we accepted it and recovered from it shows great team strength.”

Ferrari’s turnaround serves as a testament to its resilience. The team identified the problems, implemented changes, and now finds itself in a much better position heading into the season’s final stretch.


“Looking Ahead: Can Ferrari Close the Gap?”

With only a handful of races left, Ferrari’s focus remains on narrowing the gap to McLaren and maximizing its chances in both championships. Sainz is optimistic, but realistic:

“Every team this year has gone through a tough period with development, maybe only McLaren has had everything work for them. But we’ve recovered really well.”

If Ferrari continues its upward trajectory, the SF-24 might yet deliver a season-ending surprise. Whether or not they claim the Constructors’ title, the team’s ability to overcome challenges and fight at the sharp end of the grid is a promising sign for the future.

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