Fred Vasseur has announced a halt on updates for the SF-24, with three races remaining in the Championship. All focus now shifts to the 2025 car
Ferrari’s intense close to the 2024 season is set to unfold. With just a few races left, Maranello has little left to calculate. After starting the season as the clear second force behind an untouchable Red Bull, Ferrari heads into the Las Vegas race on the heels of an impressive comeback, surpassing both Red Bull and, more recently, McLaren in the standings, especially since the Dutch Grand Prix. From Zandvoort onwards, Ferrari has secured three victories (Monza, Austin, and Mexico City), surpassing Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings and closing in on McLaren in the title fight.
The hopes of a championship title—absent since 2008 for constructors and 2007 for drivers—have been reignited, partly due to McLaren’s numerous recent setbacks. The Papaya team has dropped significant points in recent races, with results falling below expectations for what is arguably the strongest car on the grid. The latest Brazilian Grand Prix exemplified this, with Norris starting from pole but finishing only sixth, trailing Leclerc, who managed to drive the SF-24 to a commendable finish on the wet Brazilian track.
However, a pivotal decision has now been made: Ferrari has announced it will no longer bring updates to the SF-24. The car arriving in Las Vegas will likely be the same one used until the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur confirmed that no further changes will come after the final upgrades showcased in Austin (a new front wing) and Mexico City.
Vasseur’s comments
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, reflected on the decision to conclude the SF-24’s development following five race victories this season. The former Sauber team principal commented, “Now we are fully focused on next year’s project and have been for months. Nothing more will be coming.”
Looking back on recent performances and expectations for the season’s final stretch, Vasseur added: “Overall, the last three races have gone well. I believe we have been the highest-scoring team, which is significant for us and an excellent preparation for the final three races of the season. We expect to have better pace in Las Vegas than this past weekend ( Brazilian GP), and we need to secure a strong points haul. It will be a tight battle between the top four teams through to Abu Dhabi.”
While the decision was not an easy one, the 2025 season is rapidly approaching. Naturally, this will spark debate: would it have been better to keep developing this year’s car or to focus entirely on the 2025 project? Only time will tell, as we await the showdown in Las Vegas.
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP