Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has revealed the frustration lingering from the Scuderia’s nail-biting defeat in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship. With McLaren snatching the title by just 14 points after Lando Norris’ victory in Abu Dhabi, Vasseur admitted he can’t stop replaying moments where Ferrari’s performance could have bridged the narrow gap.
“A Good Season, But Not Enough”
Ferrari’s season marked a significant step forward, with improvements in pit stops, strategy, reliability, and overall performance. Yet, the tantalizingly close margin left Vasseur reflecting on what could have been.
“A good one, but not enough,” Vasseur said. “It’s a huge step forward — pit stops, strategy, reliability… we improved everywhere. But at the end, 14 points are missing. When you are 80 or 100 points behind, you don’t feel the frustration. Tonight, I had tons of races in my mind where we lost 14 points.”
Despite the heartbreak, Vasseur was quick to acknowledge McLaren’s excellence and Ferrari’s need to maintain focus.
“McLaren also had some issues, and we have to do a better job next year. But I’m proud of the step we made.”
The Title Decider in Abu Dhabi
Heading into the season finale, the championship scenario was crystal clear. Carlos Sainz needed to beat Lando Norris for Ferrari to claim the title. However, Ferrari opted for a conservative strategy, refusing to gamble with additional pit stops in pursuit of a last-ditch victory.
“Honestly not, because I think the most important thing is to be focused on yourself and do the best you can,” Vasseur explained. “If you stay close, you don’t know what could happen — he could have an issue. We were just focused on ourselves, and overall, considering penalties and track limits, we did a good job.”
A Season of Missed Opportunities
For Vasseur, the margin of defeat has magnified moments where Ferrari could have scored more.
“When you’re 14 points short, those moments weigh heavily. I have tons of races in my mind. Singapore, for example, or Canada — there were points left on the table.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the disappointment of 2024 in the rearview mirror, Ferrari’s sights are firmly set on the upcoming season. The Scuderia’s progress under Vasseur’s leadership suggests it is well-positioned to fight again in 2025, but the lessons from this season will be crucial.
“We’re building momentum,” Vasseur concluded. “But next year, we need to turn these close calls into decisive victories. That’s the only way to end the drought.”
A Year of Progress, A Title Lost by Inches
While McLaren celebrates its first Constructors’ Championship in over two decades, Ferrari is left to rue the narrowest of defeats. The 14-point gap underscores the razor-thin margins in Formula 1, where every decision, penalty, and performance counts. For Vasseur and Ferrari, the road to redemption starts now.
