Formula 1’s highly anticipated return to Las Vegas next weekend marks the start of the final triple-header of the 2024 season. For Ferrari, it’s not just another race—it’s an opportunity to capitalize on a roller coaster season and to solidify its position in the Manufacturers’ Championship.
After a successful triple-header in Austin, Mexico City and Sao Paulo, Ferrari heads to Sin City with a mix of optimism and caution. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have proven the SF-24’s potential, but questions remain about how their car will adapt to the unique challenges of Las Vegas.
Ferrari Memories at Las Vegas 2023: A Taste of What Could Be
Last year, Ferrari made a big impression on the Las Vegas Grand Prix grid, locking out the front row in qualifying with Leclerc on pole. However, a loose pipe cover during testing forced Sainz into a costly powertrain change, dropping him ten places on the starting grid. Despite these setbacks, Leclerc finished in second place behind Max Verstappen, while Sainz managed to come back to finish sixth.
This year, Ferrari returns with a car that features significant improvements in tire management—a key area of concern in the frigid desert temperatures expected in Las Vegas.
Leclerc: “We will have a chance to win”
By speaking to Sky Sports NewsCharles Leclerc expressed cautious optimism about Ferrari’s chances in Las Vegas. The Monegasque driver acknowledged that the SF-24’s better tire degradation could be an advantage, but warned that colder conditions could present new challenges.
“I think on paper it’s a track where we should perform well,” Leclerc said. “However, the fact that we have improved the tire management a lot means that on a track where it is so cold it will be difficult to put the tires in the right window. »
Despite this, Leclerc remains confident. “On paper it still looks positive. Maybe not as positive as last year, but seeing how close everything is, I believe we will have a chance to win. »
The SF-24: A car designed for the long term
Ferrari’s 2023 F1 car excelled in qualifying but faltered in the race due to excessive tire degradation. The SF-24, however, was designed with racing performance in mind, prioritizing tire longevity over single-lap speed. This adjustment has already paid off, as seen with Leclerc’s victory in Austin and Sainz’s dominant victory in Mexico City.
But as Ferrari learned in Sao Paulo, wet and unpredictable conditions can still expose vulnerabilities. The Las Vegas Grand Prix will test whether the performance balance of the SF-24’s tires can cope with extreme cold—a key factor on the newly designed street circuit.
What to expect at the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The unique features of the Las Vegas circuit—long straightaways, fast turns and potentially freezing temperatures—pose a new challenge for all teams. While Ferrari’s improved tire degradation offers hope, the ability to quickly bring the tires into the optimal operating window during qualifying and the race will be crucial.
Leclerc and Sainz will also have to fend off fierce competition from Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes, who are all locked in a tight battle for supremacy in the final stretch of the season.
A Crucial Race for Ferrari’s 2024 Campaign
As the curtain falls on the 2024 season, Ferrari has a lot to prove. A strong performance in Las Vegas could cement their reputation as a team to watch heading into 2025, while a misstep could overshadow their recent success. For Leclerc and Sainz, the Las Vegas Grand Prix isn’t just about glory—it’s about building momentum and confidence for the future.
Conclusion: Can Ferrari take risks and win big?
With an SF-24 built for consistency and resilience on race day, Ferrari has every reason to believe it can compete in Las Vegas. Yet the unpredictable nature of a new street circuit and extreme conditions mean nothing is guaranteed.
If Ferrari can find the right balance between tire management and pure performance, Leclerc and Sainz could well leave the Strip with more than a handful of chips — they could walk away with another trophy.
The stakes have never been higher as Formula 1 lights up the Las Vegas Strip for what promises to be an unforgettable race.
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