Alexandre
While the Formula 1 is coming to an end, the battle for second place in the constructors' championship between Ferrari and McLaren intensifies. With a gap of just 24 points and two races remaining - the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 8 - the Scuderia Ferrari will have to pull out all the stops to overtake McLaren. But what result will enable them to achieve this feat in Qatar?
A fierce duel between Ferrari and McLaren
Currently, McLaren dominates Scuderia Ferrari by 24 points, with 608 points versus 584. Both teams have an identical record this season in terms of wins (5) and podiums (19), but McLaren has capitalized on impressive consistency and some key strategic performances.
On the Ferrari side, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz showed their competitiveness, but they had to be more careful.will have to reach an even higher level to catch up with McLaren. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, for their part, often took advantage of their constant pace to keep McLaren in the lead in this battle.
Possible scenarios for Ferrari to overtake McLaren
In the hope of overtaking McLaren as early as this weekend in Qatar, Ferrari must score at least 25 points more than McLaren. This implies flawless performances from their two drivers, as well as a bold strategy on the part of the team. Here are a few possible scenarios:
- Ferrari takes a double (1st and 2nd places) and the best lap :
- Total : 44 points (25 points for victory, 18 points for 2nd place, and 1 point for the best lap).
- McLaren must then score less than 20 points (for example, a combined 3rd and 6th place would be enough for Ferrari to overtake them).
- Ferrari finishes 1st and 3rd with the fastest lap :
- Total: 41 points (25 for victory, 15 for 3rd place, 1 for best lap).
- McLaren must not exceed 16 points (for example, a combined 4th and 6th place).
- Ferrari maximizes podiums with a 1st and 4th place without a best lap:
- Total: 37 points (25 for victory, 12 for 4th place).
- McLaren must then stay outside the top 5 (for example, two 7th places or less).
Challenges for Ferrari
Ferrari will have to rely above all on fast, reliable car on the Lusail circuit. This layout, which favours cars with a good balance between aerodynamic downforce and straight-line speed, could work to their advantage if the latest technical updates for the Las Vegas Grand Prix are bearing fruit. In addition, tire management will be crucial, as the high temperatures and long, fast corners will put the rubber to the test.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will also have to avoid any collision, a potentially costly mistake against the ever opportunistic McLaren drivers.
If Ferrari has a mathematical chance of overtaking McLaren, the latter are not about to let their heads drop. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, in top form this season, have proved that they can perform under pressure. The reliability of the McLaren MCL60 and the effectiveness of their race strategy will be key to maintaining their lead.
The verdict this weekend in Qatar
Can Ferrari pull off a spectacular comeback, or will McLaren confirm its grip on 2nd place? The answer this weekend, with the Qatar Grand Prix promising epic battles on and off the track. One thing is certain: every point will count in this duel which will mark the end of the 2024 season.