Ferrari heads into the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix with the constructors’ championship still within reach, trailing McLaren by just 29 points. Charles Leclerc, fresh off Ferrari’s back-to-back wins, remains confident in his team’s ability to catch McLaren, even if Interlagos isn’t ideally suited to Ferrari’s strengths. The sprint weekend format, however, has Leclerc cautiously optimistic, believing that a flawless performance could turn the tables in Ferrari’s favor.
“On paper, Qatar is probably our toughest race left, with Brazil maybe second,” Leclerc explained to reporters. “But Las Vegas should suit us very well, and Abu Dhabi will be more neutral.” Leclerc added that despite not being favorites at Interlagos, Ferrari could surprise the competition, especially with only one practice session before the sprint. “If we do a really good job during this free practice, anything is possible,” he noted.
Ferrari’s recent success, including Leclerc’s victory in Austin and Carlos Sainz’s commanding win in Mexico, has cut the gap with McLaren and solidified Ferrari’s momentum. While McLaren remains the team to beat, Leclerc believes Ferrari can challenge for a top spot, especially if they capitalize on the sprint weekend’s unpredictable nature.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s decline has been dramatic. Only weeks ago, Red Bull led Ferrari by 34 points, but a series of disappointing performances, including Sergio Perez’s six-point haul in North America, has left them trailing Ferrari by 25 points and out of the title race.
The possibility of ending Ferrari’s 16-year title drought is tantalizing, particularly at the iconic Interlagos track, where Ferrari last tasted constructors’ success in 2008. However, Leclerc emphasized that Ferrari isn’t letting the weight of history distract them from the task at hand. “It would be very important, especially after so many years, but it’s not something we focus on,” Leclerc said. “Inside the team, we are just taking it step by step.”
Ferrari’s recent momentum has fueled the team’s motivation. With a mix of experience and strategy, Leclerc hopes to keep the Tifosi dreaming of a historic comeback. The Brazilian GP could be the start of something extraordinary—or a critical learning moment as Ferrari pursues its ambitious title goals.
