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Ferrari’s Gambit Falls Short in Abu Dhabi: Sainz Left Chasing McLaren Without Second Pit Stop

Redação by Redação
December 12, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Ferrari’s Gambit Falls Short in Abu Dhabi: Sainz Left Chasing McLaren Without Second Pit Stop

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 8, 2024 Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr. during a pit stop REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/Pool

Ferrari’s strategy in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has come under scrutiny after the Italian squad opted against a late second pit stop for Carlos Sainz, ultimately losing out to McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship. Despite both Sainz and Charles Leclerc securing podium finishes, Ferrari’s decision-making left fans questioning whether a more aggressive approach could have made the difference.


“Playing It Safe: Ferrari’s Strategic Calculations”

Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur admitted that the team never seriously considered a second pit stop for Sainz, despite the Spaniard having the margin to pit without losing position to Leclerc. The gamble could have equipped Sainz with fresher tires to chase down McLaren’s Lando Norris, who controlled the race and finished five seconds ahead.

“Honestly not,” Vasseur said when asked if Ferrari considered the move. “The most important is to be focused on yourself and to do the best that we can do. If you stay close, you don’t know what could happen—he could have an issue, a puncture. So we are just focused on ourselves.”


“Missed Opportunities: The Second Stint Struggle”

Starting third on the grid, Sainz initially stayed competitive, but his pace waned in the second stint on the Hard compound. Ferrari’s earlier undercut attempt briefly brought Sainz within two seconds of Norris after the McLaren driver’s pit stop on Lap 28, but the gap widened as the stint progressed.

Vasseur explained that Ferrari had hoped to exploit tire degradation to apply pressure on Norris in the closing laps, a plan that ultimately fell flat.

“We were more expecting to push Norris at the end of the race on the degradation, but it didn’t happen,” Vasseur acknowledged. “Overall, the delta pace from one stint to the other between McLaren and us is plus or minus one-tenth. This is not enough to overtake.”


“A Championship Lost in Margins”

Ferrari’s conservative approach reflected its reluctance to react to McLaren’s pace. While focusing on themselves rather than attempting bold counter-strategies, Ferrari prioritized consistency over risk—a philosophy Vasseur defended.

“The best was the strategy that we did,” he said. “But we didn’t want to change the strategy or attitude just because we are fighting with McLaren. We are just focused on ourselves from Friday.”

Despite their best efforts, Ferrari couldn’t match McLaren’s superior pace, with Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri leading the charge. The result cemented McLaren’s first Constructors’ Championship in over two decades, leaving Ferrari to reflect on missed opportunities.


“What’s Next for Ferrari?”

Ferrari’s 2024 campaign showcased a mix of highs and lows, with glimpses of brilliance but an inability to sustain momentum against the likes of McLaren and Red Bull. As the team shifts its focus to 2025, questions remain about whether Ferrari can reclaim its former glory and challenge for championships with more daring strategies.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a microcosm of Ferrari’s season—strong performances overshadowed by tactical conservatism. For a team with such a storied legacy, the pressure is mounting to deliver not just podiums, but decisive victories.

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