Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had hoped for a more fortunate run in 2024, but the team’s fluctuating form has kept them off the pace compared to Red Bull and McLaren, as highlighted by their performance at the recent Singapore Grand Prix. Leclerc managed a P5 finish, but it marked a significant halt to his early-season momentum.
The Monegasque driver began the season strong, securing standout wins at both Monaco and Monza, asserting himself as a fierce competitor in the title race. Despite these victories, Leclerc’s consistency faltered, costing him dearly in the championship battle. With six races remaining, Leclerc has adopted a more pragmatic approach, acknowledging the uphill battle Ferrari faces in catching up with title contenders Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.
Leclerc remains focused but is realistic about Ferrari’s prospects for the rest of the season. “There needs to be a little bit of luck involved on our side because even if we do really well until the end of the season, it is going to be difficult to take the drivers’ title. But I’m not really thinking about it now. I’m just trying to focus race by race, and the worst thing we can do is to have wrong expectations going forward,” said Leclerc.
Meanwhile, the championship battle between Norris and Verstappen intensifies, with just 52 points separating the two heading into the North American leg of the season. While Verstappen remains the favorite, McLaren’s resurgence with Norris keeps the title chase alive.
Looking ahead, Ferrari’s future becomes even more intriguing with the signing of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. Hamilton will partner with Leclerc, forming a formidable duo for Ferrari’s ambitious plans. However, former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley believes that Hamilton won’t easily surpass Leclerc, despite his talent. “I don’t think Lewis is going to go to Ferrari and think he’s going to trounce Charles, because it just won’t be that easy. But he’ll work very hard, integrate into the team, and I think that will be the making of the next stage of Ferrari.”
Leclerc, a tireless contributor since joining Ferrari in 2019, will likely remain the team’s backbone even with Hamilton’s arrival. His selfless attitude and determination to help the team succeed underscore his commitment to Ferrari’s long-term goals.
With the 2024 season nearing its end, Ferrari must regroup and refine its strategies to ensure Leclerc and the team remain competitive in the ever-evolving Formula 1 landscape.
