After showing signs of returning to championship-winning levels in 2022, Ferrari entered a slump that they haven’t recovered from. In 2023, their performance took an even bigger dip as the team looks to chase Mercedes down for P2 with just two races to go. However, heading into 2024, Charles Leclerc and Co. are set to take a completely different approach to take Red Bull down.
Currently, Red Bull is the most dominant team in F1. They had the strongest car since pre-season testing. Additionally, the upgrades they brought in and the changes they made to their setup made the car stronger. According to Ferrari’s senior performance engineer Jock Clear, this is somewhere they lacked. This is something they will change come 2024.
“For next year, we are focusing on making the car more forgiving,” said Clear as per Motorsport. “A car that does not have such a limited operating range.”
This is contrary to Red Bull because they spent the entire season developing their car. It helped them maintain their dominance, and also build on it. However, other teams managed to bridge the gap as the season progressed.
Red Bull and its strong development window
Ferrari has been struggling to build a championship winning car for very long. However, ahead of the 2024 season, they are looking to take inspiration from Red Bull and leave a strong development window open for their car.
“That’s Red Bull’s strong point, her window is so wide,” Clear adds. Ferrari has struggled a lot with development in 2023, with certain upgrades being disadvantageous for both their drivers.
Still, Glock points out that despite the difficulties, Ferrari has managed to remain close. He lauded Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc for keeping for maintaining consistency, and admits that at times, both drivers found it hard to get one better on the other.
This season has been a struggle, and the Tifosi wants better things to come when the new campaign kicks off. However, for now, they have some immediate goals to chase before the year draws to a close.
Ferrari chasing Mercedes down for second-best trophy
Since the very get go his year, catching Red Bull was a dream for every team on the paddock. On the other hand, the fight for P2 was always very lively. Initially, it was Aston Martin who seemed like the favorites.
Unfortunately for the Silverstone-based team, their performance fell off heavily, so Mercedes took the spot. Now, with just two races to go, Ferrari’s late season resurgence allows them to be just 20 points behind the Silver Arrows.
Before thinking about competing for the championship in 2024, Charles Leclerc and Co. will be desperate to chase Mercedes down for the second-best trophy in 2023.
