The Circuit of the Americas will see the introduction of a package by Ferrari.
Ferrari is gearing up for the final stretch of the 2024 Formula 1 season, with team principal Fred Vasseur confirming that a small but significant upgrade will be introduced at the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin. This will be the last performance enhancement for the Scuderia before they shift their full focus towards the development of next year’s car. With just seven rounds remaining in the championship, Ferrari is still in the hunt for the constructors’ title, trailing McLaren by 75 points as Red Bull continues to dominate the grid.
Vasseur’s announcement comes as the Maranello squad aims to extract every possible ounce of performance from their current car. While the primary focus is already on 2025, the team is fully aware that the remaining races could see some fierce battles. “We all know that we have already started the development of the next car,” Vasseur explained, hinting at Ferrari’s future ambitions. “We are doing our best to introduce small upgrades for the next race, but I think this will be the last one for us and most other teams.” This final update package will be unveiled at the Circuit of the Americas, where the team’s drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, will look to build momentum as the season draws to a close.
Ferrari’s struggles in Singapore highlighted the volatility of this year’s campaign. A frustrating qualifying session saw Leclerc unable to maximize his tyre preparation, eventually losing a crucial lap in Q3. Meanwhile, Sainz’s misfortune continued as he crashed out, further complicating Ferrari’s weekend. Starting from ninth and tenth on the grid, the team decided to split their strategies in a bid to salvage points. Sainz pitted early, aiming to gain clean air after losing positions on the opening lap, while Leclerc opted to extend his first stint. Leclerc’s perseverance paid off as he charged through the field to finish fifth, relentlessly pressuring Mercedes’ George Russell for fourth place in the closing stages. Sainz, on the other hand, struggled with aged hard tyres and eventually settled for seventh.
The strategic decision to divide their approach in Singapore was one of necessity, given the circumstances of the race. Vasseur elaborated on the reasoning behind Ferrari’s tactical choices, highlighting the fine margins involved in race-day decision-making. “To start on soft tyres, you might gain a position or two, but if you want to be aggressive, you have no choice but to pit early, around lap 12 or 15, like Lewis [Hamilton] did,” Vasseur explained. “Starting on mediums gave us the opportunity to extend the stint, which opened up different scenarios for the race. Ultimately, I believe it was a good strategy, and the fact that we split the cars, with one stopping early and the other extending, was the right call.”
Ferrari’s strategy allowed them to stay in contention, but Vasseur remains mindful of the increasingly tight competition in the final races. With the field growing closer in performance over the past few Grands Prix, every tiny advantage could prove pivotal. “It’s getting tight across the grid, and every little bit can make a difference in these final races,” Vasseur remarked, emphasizing the importance of Ferrari’s upcoming upgrade for the Austin race.
As Ferrari’s attention begins to shift towards the 2025 season, the importance of a strong finish cannot be overstated. While Red Bull and McLaren are embroiled in their own championship battle, Ferrari remains determined to close the gap and end the season on a high note. The Austin upgrade will mark the last opportunity for the team to extract performance gains from this year’s car, but more importantly, it will serve as a springboard for the development of next year’s machinery. In the ultra-competitive world of Formula 1, where even the smallest improvements can tilt the balance, Ferrari knows that they must leave nothing on the table as the season reaches its climax.
The Scuderia’s rich history and winning pedigree will drive them forward, not just in the remaining races but in their preparations for the future. The upcoming United States Grand Prix will be a critical test for Ferrari as they roll out their final upgrade and continue their relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the track. While the current campaign has been filled with ups and downs, Ferrari’s sights are firmly set on reclaiming their place at the front of the pack in the seasons to come.
