Ferrari is undoubtedly the most renowned team in Formula 1, but that doesn’t mean they are free from their share of challenges. Despite having talented drivers and decent car development, the team has been plagued by issues primarily in the pit area. These problems include occasional mishaps during pitstops and questionable strategic decisions made by the pitwall. While these factors are not solely responsible for Ferrari’s drought in winning drivers’ and constructors’ championships since 2007 and 2008 respectively, they certainly do not contribute positively. This is why fans were captivated by a video that the team shared on social media, showcasing their 2024 car, the SF-24, during a shakedown. Although the video has been removed, there is a good reason for it, which will be revealed shortly.
One particular moment in the video caught the attention of viewers. It was not as severe as the infamous incident in 2008 when Ferrari left the fuel hose attached to Felipe Massa’s car during a double-stack pitstop in Singapore, but it involved a sticky left front tire. Such a pitstop blunder could easily ruin any attempt at gaining an advantage or executing an undercut strategy. Unsurprisingly, the internet wasted no time in seizing upon this moment, prompting the team to upload a new video of a much smoother pitstop with the same caption. To their credit, they accompanied the second video with a humorous mea culpa.
Interestingly, despite the consistent criticism aimed at Ferrari’s pit crew, they actually achieved third place in the 2023 DHL Fastest Pit Stop standings, trailing only Red Bull. Moreover, the Scuderia recorded the fastest pit stop in seven out of the 22 Grand Prix races in 2023. Whether the scrutiny faced by the Ferrari pit crew is justified or not, it certainly provided a comical moment.
Looking ahead, 2024 holds great significance for Ferrari as they prepare for the arrival of Lewis Hamilton in 2025. Following the shakedown this week, driver Charles Leclerc expressed that he already sensed some improvements compared to last year’s car, but emphasized the need for further testing. And more testing is precisely what awaits them in Bahrain next week.
According to the Source outkick.com