lFerrari’s Surprise Resurgence in Formula 1 Title Race

Ferrari’s Surprise Resurgence in Formula 1 Title Race

Just weeks ago, Ferrari was not a serious threat in the Formula 1 constructors’ championship. However, consecutive victories in the United States and Mexico have revitalized its season, bringing Ferrari closer to capturing its first title since 2008.

After holding second place in the standings early in the season, Ferrari dropped to third following July’s Hungarian Grand Prix. Yet, its recent wins in Austin and Mexico City have allowed Ferrari to leapfrog Red Bull and close within 29 points of championship leader McLaren.

Following the Mexican Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc expressed optimism, stating that winning the constructors’ title is now “realistically possible and it relies on us doing well more than others doing something wrong.” This recent shift in points has turned Ferrari into a serious contender, and both Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz now feel that the championship is within reach.

Constructors’ Standings Shift

Before Austin:

1. McLaren: 516

2. Red Bull: -41

3. Ferrari: -75

After Mexico:

1. McLaren: 566

2. Ferrari: -29

3. Red Bull: -54

Sainz revealed that he and Leclerc frequently discuss Ferrari’s title chances. “We pump each other up, knowing there’s a chance,” he said, adding that consistency and teamwork will be crucial. Sainz stressed the need to remain focused on their own performance, acknowledging that McLaren’s speed means Ferrari may still rely on rivals’ missteps. “But we’re going to keep doing the best we can and keep pushing each other,” he said.

A Mix of Ferrari’s Gains and Rivals’ Weaknesses

Ferrari’s recent success is attributed not only to its improvements but also to challenges faced by competitors. Red Bull has struggled to maintain pace, even with a partial recovery following a new floor update in Austin. Meanwhile, McLaren’s car has struggled with braking into slower corners, exposing its limitations on recent tracks, as noted by team principal Andrea Stella.

Although Ferrari’s progress has only recently shown on track, its revival stems from extensive development behind the scenes. Ferrari’s season began solidly, as it was frequently the second-best team, though still behind Red Bull. A mid-season slump started after Leclerc’s victory in Monaco, with Ferrari’s performance dipping from June’s Spanish Grand Prix onward. A floor upgrade introduced during this period triggered porpoising in high-speed corners, leading to a challenging run over six races up to Zandvoort.

Now, Ferrari’s recovery has reignited its championship ambitions. With a combination of steady upgrades and key victories, Ferrari has transformed its season, making a title win an exciting, tangible goal.