Ferrari’s rollercoaster 2024 season reached new heights at the United States Grand Prix, as Charles Leclerc led the Scuderia to an impressive 1-2 finish, their first in the US since 2006. Leclerc took the top step of the podium, with teammate Carlos Sainz following close behind, marking a major resurgence for the Italian team after recent struggles.
Leclerc, visibly elated after the race, described the victory as particularly satisfying given the challenges Ferrari faced throughout the weekend. The Monegasque driver admitted that he had been struggling with the car in the build-up to the race, but everything fell into place when it mattered most.
“Very, very happy. It hasn’t been an easy weekend until now,” Leclerc said. “I was struggling with the car, but today in the race, the feeling was better.”
Leclerc’s confidence grew as the race progressed. He took full advantage of the early battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at Turn 1 to seize the lead, setting the stage for Ferrari’s dominant performance. The 26-year-old credited Ferrari’s “mega pace” in the opening stint for making his drive to victory more manageable, as he consistently pulled ahead of his rivals.
“It was a pretty good Turn 1, that was exactly what I wanted to do,” Leclerc explained. “That helped our first stint as we had mega pace. The pace of the car was really, really good.”
Ferrari’s strong showing at the Circuit of the Americas also sent a message to their competitors, proving that the team still has the speed to challenge the likes of Red Bull and McLaren. With five races left in the season, the result has rejuvenated Ferrari’s hopes of ending the year on a high.
The win in Austin not only boosts Ferrari’s morale but also promises to reignite the battles between the top teams as the 2024 Formula 1 season heads into its final stretch.
