Ferrari's impressive performances in recent races have reignited hopes for the Constructors' title, especially after their strong showing in Austin. Following their significant 1-2 finish, the Scuderia arrived in Mexico with optimism, knowing that the slow and twisty layout of the circuit would play to the strengths of the SF-24.
"I think the upgrades are helping for sure," said Carlos Sainz after securing pole position on Saturday. His comments reflect a clear recognition of the impact of Ferrari's recent enhancements. They came into play especially in the medium-slow speed segments, where the SF-24 has proven to be exceptionally competitive.
The turning point for Ferrari came with the introduction of a major upgrade package in Monza, which significantly improved the car’s performance. The enhancements included a new floor design that allowed for increased downforce without the issues of bouncing or porpoising. This revision not only optimized the vehicle's handling but also gave engineers more flexibility in setup, enabling the team to run the car at lower ride heights.
The adjustments to the diffuser further contributed to this balance. Ferrari's new layout resulted in a more stable airflow, producing a consistent downforce across various ground heights. This newfound stability translated into better handling, particularly on challenging circuits like those seen in Mexico and Singapore, where curbs played a prominent role.
Fernado Alonso’s take on the car's capabilities echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how the updates transformed the SF-24 into a formidable competitor: "With the new floor and wing, we have become more competitive across all sectors of the track. The car feels alive, more so than earlier in the season."
However, Ferrari's journey has not been without challenges. While they excel in medium-slow speed sections, there remains a notable weakness in qualifying, specifically regarding the management of softer tires. During the qualifying sessions in both Austin and Mexico, the SF-24 struggled with tire deformation at high speeds, creating instability and affecting overall performance. Sainz remarked, "I don't expect to be on pole in Qatar, just given how weak we are in high-speed. But in the low-speed, how tight the corners are, and how good we are in kerbing around Mexico, I said that we had a good chance and it's been like that.”
This vulnerability was complemented by another hurdle: achieving optimal tire temperatures during cold conditions. As noted by F1 analyst Mark Hughes, "The SF-24’s difficulty in warming up tires on slippery surfaces is an ongoing concern in qualifying, keeping it a step behind competitors like McLaren."
Despite these hurdles, the SF-24 demonstrated its true potential during the race itself in Mexico. Ferrari's strategy and configuration allowed Sainz and Leclerc to build a sizable lead over third-place Lando Norris, showcasing the car's competitiveness when set up for high fuel loads.
"The softer mechanical setup made the car extremely fast on the medium tyre with high fuel, allowing us to stretch ahead of the pack," Leclerc noted after the race. His observations affirmed that Ferrari not only excelled in qualifying but also maintained their momentum in the race.
As they move forward into the Qatar race, Ferrari stands at a crossroads. While they boast substantial performance enhancements, their ability to challenge for pole positions remains a pressing concern. The contrasting strengths and weaknesses when compared to rivals like McLaren will dictate their approach in the coming races.
The SF-24 has indeed sparked a resurgence for Ferrari in the championship, but consistent refinements will be necessary to maintain competitiveness across varied track conditions. The coming races will reveal if the team can harmonize their performance to capitalize fully on their momentum, paving the path toward a successful title run.