Ferrari in the eye of the storm after the test results
The Ferrari team has once again set off alarm bells on the F1 grid following the recent pre-season tests. Although tests are usually taken with caution due to the variability of fuel loads and simulation programs, the times and performance shown by the Italian team have caused a real earthquake within the Maranello team . Now, with the internal orders leaked, everything seems to indicate that Ferrari could be preparing for a restructuring of its strategy.
An unexpected result: Ferrari faces a possible radical change
Pre-season testing in Bahrain has left more questions than answers for Ferrari. While the SF-24 has shown glimpses of competitiveness on long runs, the results obtained on the fastest lap have caused concern. Red Bull continues to show a notable superiority, while Mercedes and McLaren seem to have taken a step forward, leaving Ferrari in an uncertain position.
Internal sources have revealed that, after analysing the data, the technical team headed by Frédéric Vasseur has given a series of clear guidelines to the engineers and drivers for the first Grand Prix. The orders are clear: Ferrari cannot afford another year of frustration.
Leaked internal orders: drastic changes in Ferrari’s strategy!
According to leaked internal documents, the team has given specific instructions to fix the issues identified in testing. Highlights include:
Optimising tyre degradation : One of Ferrari’s biggest problems in 2023 was tyre management in the race. Although the SF-24 seems to have improved on long runs, the team has indicated that it will intensify work with Pirelli to find the ideal set-up.
Immediate aerodynamic improvements : The introduction of an aerodynamic package has been ordered to be accelerated in the first races, something that was initially planned for the Imola GP. Ferrari does not want to lose ground to Red Bull from the start.
More aggressive race strategy : Strategists have been asked to take a more aggressive approach to pit stops and tactical decisions. Ferrari missed several opportunities in 2023 due to conservative strategies and pit mistakes.
Full support for Charles Leclerc in the first races : Although Carlos Sainz remains a key part of the team, Ferrari has made it clear that if Leclerc performs better in the first races, he will be given priority to fight for the championship.
The pilots’ reaction: between confidence and pressure
Both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have reacted with cautious optimism to these changes. Leclerc , who has recently been linked with Mercedes, knows that 2024 could be his last real chance to challenge for the title with Ferrari before he decides on his future.
“The car has potential, but we need to execute it better on track,” Leclerc said in a recent interview. “If we want to challenge Red Bull, we can’t afford to start the season on the defensive.”
For his part, Carlos Sainz , who is in Audi’s orbit for 2026, has also been blunt: “We know that Red Bull is still the rival to beat, but Ferrari has to be in the fight from the first race. We cannot afford another year of ups and downs.”
Red Bull and Mercedes watch closely
Red Bull’s Christian Horner has played down Ferrari’s impact, saying that “testing is just testing” and that “the real performance will be seen in the first race.” However, Max Verstappen has acknowledged that Ferrari could be a threat if they can fix their tyre wear problems.
Mercedes, meanwhile, have shown significant improvement in testing, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell confident they can match Ferrari and even Red Bull on some tracks. “We don’t rule out Ferrari, but we don’t fear them either,” Russell said.
Conclusion: Ferrari is playing for its credibility in 2024
With pressure from the tifosi and Ferrari’s executive management expecting immediate results, the 2024 season could be a turning point for the Scuderia. If the proposed changes pan out, we could see Ferrari going toe-to-toe with Red Bull and Mercedes. However, if the problems persist, it could be another year of disappointment for the Prancing Horse fans.
The Bahrain Grand Prix will be the first big test to see if these internal orders can really make a difference. Will Ferrari manage to break its slump and get back into the title fight? The F1 world is waiting with bated breath.
