Alexandre
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, the new jewel in the crown of the Formula 1promises to be crucial for Ferrari. Max Verstappen is on course for a fourth world title, the Scuderia Ferrari battles with McLaren and Red Bull for a place of honour in the constructors' championship. Ferrari, long discreet about SF-24 evolutionsThis year, the FIA's latest innovation surprises by introducing some important new features, but also suffers a technical setback imposed by the FIA.
Developments to get back into the fight
Since mid-season, Ferrari has opted for optimization rather than radical innovation. The front spoiler originally planned for Austin had already been introduced in Singapore, and no other significant modifications had appeared by October. However, recent comments from Carlos Sainz's hard work and dedication have been highlighted behind the scenes to make the SF-24 more competitive. Spanish driver critical of mid-season performance, praised the team's progress.
"I'm happy that the car isn't bouncing around as much and that it's in a decent window," he said, referring to a single-seater that has become more stable and pleasant to drive. These efforts have enabled Ferrari to take victories and aim for a double at the end of the season.
In Las Vegas, Ferrari finally comes out of its shell with a modified front fin and an experimental flat bottom. This one-of-a-kind system will be tested during the night's free practice sessions, in the hope of being integrated into the race. This flat bottom, which could foreshadow the solutions adopted for the car of 2025, aims to maximize performance on the fast, fluid Las Vegas circuit.
Vasseur's masterful bluff
Team principal Frédéric Vasseur declared after the Brazilian Grand Prix that there would be no further developments this season. However, the introduction of new parts in Las Vegas proves otherwise. Ferrari, in search of precious points to close the gap on McLaren, is counting on these modifications to exploit the SF-24's full potential.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown acknowledged the threat posed by Ferrari. "They give me more headaches than Red Bull."
FIA clips Ferrari's wings
However, not all is rosy for Scuderia. At Red Bull's request, the FIA has published a technical directive prohibiting reinforced metal runners under the single-seaters. These elements, used by Ferrari and Mercedes, enabled the cars to be driven closer to the ground without exceeding the wear limits imposed by the regulations.
This ban is now forcing Ferrari to raise the ride height of its cars, resulting in a loss of aerodynamic downforce. This technical constraint could hamper performance in the last three Grands Prix, including Las Vegas, where every detail counts to exploit the long straights and winding sections.
A risky but calculated gamble
Ferrari seems to have made the bold choice of all bets on the Las Vegas Grand Prix. With a low-drag package and targeted modifications, the SF-24 could shine on this atypical circuit. But the constraints imposed by the FIA and the uncertainty surrounding testing of the new flat-bottom design add a dose of risk.
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc will take different approaches to free practice One will concentrate on the new package, while the other will work on the race set-up. This strategy will enable Ferrari to draw quick conclusions and adjust its plan for the weekend.
Ferrari plays big in Las Vegas. Between the late introduction of promising developments and the loss of a strategic advantage, the Scuderia will have to juggle ambition and caution. If the new parts prove to be effective, they may well turn out to be a real success.elance Ferrari in the battle for first place in the constructors' championship. But if the technical constraints imposed by the FIA directive prove too penalizing, the gamble could backfire.
