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Ferrari’s Qatar GP Gamble Keeps Constructors’ Title Hopes Alive: All Eyes on Abu Dhabi!

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
December 4, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Ferrari’s Qatar GP Gamble Keeps Constructors’ Title Hopes Alive: All Eyes on Abu Dhabi!

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - December 1, 2024 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr., Red Bull's Sergio Perez, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso in action during the race REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

Ferrari enters the 2024 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a fighting chance for the Constructors’ Championship after a resilient performance in Qatar. Charles Leclerc’s second-place finish, combined with Carlos Sainz’s sixth-place effort despite a puncture, has kept the Scuderia within 21 points of McLaren. The title fight will go down to the wire.


Ferrari’s Rollercoaster Weekend in Qatar

The Lusail International Circuit, with its high-speed layout, was not expected to suit Ferrari’s SF-24, a car more adept at low-speed corners. But luck, strategy, and McLaren’s misfortune combined to turn Ferrari’s fortunes around.

Charles Leclerc, starting fifth, drove an impeccable race to secure second place behind Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, Sainz’s race was derailed by a puncture caused by debris from Alex Albon’s stray wing mirror. Despite these setbacks, Ferrari outscored McLaren, with the Woking team hit by Lando Norris’s late 10-second stop-go penalty for ignoring yellow flags.


Leclerc: “Bringing the Title Back to Maranello Would Be Amazing”

Leclerc expressed optimism about Ferrari’s performance in Qatar, noting that the team exceeded expectations on a circuit that didn’t favor their car.

“We expected this to be a difficult weekend for us, so I’m happy with how the race went today, having made up some points on McLaren,” Leclerc said. “We had some luck on my side and a bit less on Carlos’ with the puncture. We may have been able to finish second and third had it not been for that, which is a shame teamwise.”

Despite the challenges, Leclerc remains laser-focused on the goal of securing Ferrari’s first Constructors’ Championship since 2008.

“Driving for such an iconic team as Ferrari, it would be amazing for us to finish the season by bringing the constructors’ title back to Maranello. It won’t be easy to score the points we need to win the title in a single weekend, but everything is still possible.”


Sainz: “The Puncture Cost Us Crucial Points”

Sainz, who had been running strongly before the puncture, was frustrated with the timing and consequences of the incident.

“We were in a strong position, but unfortunately, I got a puncture and had to complete an entire lap with a flat tire,” he explained. “The Safety Car came out right after I pitted, which cost us even more time and crucial positions.”

Despite the setback, Sainz took solace in the fact that Ferrari still managed to gain on McLaren in the title race.

“Together with Charles’ podium, we scored important points. We will fight until the last lap of the Abu Dhabi race for the championship.”


Fred Vasseur: “Everything Is Still Possible”

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur was pleased with the team’s execution and strategy in Qatar, highlighting their ability to maximize results in a chaotic race.

“The most important thing today is that we scored more points than McLaren,” said Vasseur. “We are now 21 points behind, with one race to go, which means everything is possible.”

Vasseur also acknowledged the team’s regrets, particularly Sainz’s puncture, which he felt cost Ferrari a potential double-podium finish.

“Carlos’ puncture came at the very worst place, as he had to drive a full lap before pitting, and it cost us one or two positions,” he lamented.


Abu Dhabi Awaits: A Final Showdown

With McLaren leading Ferrari by 21 points, the season finale at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit promises high drama. Both teams will bring their A-game as they battle for their place in the history books.

Leclerc and Sainz are determined to give Ferrari a shot at glory, while Vasseur remains optimistic about their chances.

“We will push flat out to the final chequered flag,” Vasseur vowed. “With Max [Verstappen] and Mercedes on the pace, you never know what could happen in the championship battle.”

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