Ferrari’s Strategic Dilemma: Analyzing Their Race Decisions in the 2024 Season
The 2024 Formula 1 season has been marked by complex challenges for Scuderia Ferrari HP, with the Italian team struggling to achieve the consistency needed to compete with the leading teams. The Spanish Grand Prix perfectly exemplified the strategic difficulties faced by Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, and the entire team. Despite starting in relatively strong grid positions, the race decisions ended up limiting their chances of achieving a more significant result.
Divergent Strategies, Lackluster Results
In Barcelona, Ferrari adopted different tire strategies for its drivers in an attempt to gain positions. Leclerc and Sainz started the race on new soft tires, hoping to have an advantage over the Mercedes cars, which started on used tires. However, it quickly became clear that this advantage did not materialize, with both drivers maintaining their fifth and sixth positions, with Sainz soon overtaking Leclerc.
The first round of pit stops was crucial, with Sainz stopping on lap 15 to switch to medium tires, while Leclerc stayed on track for a few more laps, maintaining an acceptable pace until his stop on lap 21. Ferrari then decided to split the strategies in the second round of pit stops: Sainz switched to hard tires on lap 36, while Leclerc prolonged his stint to bet on soft tires at the end of the race.
This decision allowed Leclerc to chase George Russell in the final laps, but the choice came too late. Although Leclerc managed to catch up with the Mercedes driver on the last lap, there wasn’t enough time to attempt an overtaking move, frustrating any chance of improving his final position.
Analysis and Reflections
The result of the Spanish Grand Prix made Ferrari aware that, to consistently compete with the top teams, it is essential to improve its performance in qualifying sessions. Races become particularly challenging when drivers need to recover positions on a tight grid, where overtaking is difficult and every second counts.
Ferrari’s strategic choices this year have been a mix of successes and failures. The team has shown flexibility by splitting the strategies between its drivers, but the timing of these decisions has been questionable. In the case of Barcelona, the late bet on soft tires for Leclerc could have paid off if there had been more time or an additional lap.
Looking Forward
With the next challenge at the Spielberg circuit in Austria, Ferrari needs to thoroughly analyze the data from the Spanish GP and adjust its strategic approach. Qualifying performance will be crucial to avoid the need for risky strategies on Sunday. For Leclerc, Sainz, and Ferrari, the key will be finding the right balance between aggression and precision to maximize opportunities in every race.
The season still has much to offer, and Scuderia Ferrari HP is determined to correct its mistakes and fight for better results in the upcoming races.
