Ferrari’s troubles at the Chinese Grand Prix offered plenty of fodder for alliteration, though some choices mightn’t have pleased the FIA due to their swearing policies.
What a difference a day can make, indeed.
Coming off a pole position for the Sprint, followed by a win from Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari seemed to have left the Australian setback behind. Initially, it appeared that Ferrari had overcome the setup and strategic missteps that marred their start to the season.
With Hamilton in the mix, showing remarkable composure amidst the initial chaos, the spotlight on Ferrari grew even more intense. Discussions have long pointed to Fred Vasseur’s knack for tuning out the incessant noise that surrounds Ferrari, helping the team remain steady regardless of circumstances. That skill is crucial now, especially after Sunday’s events in Shanghai.
Ferrari’s qualifying performance on Saturday was less impressive than expected given their earlier pace. Still, a podium finish seemed feasible, especially after the Sprint showed encouraging results. The race’s opening was promising, with Hamilton overtaking Max Verstappen at Turn 1, followed closely by Charles Leclerc.
Even when Leclerc’s front wing was damaged in a tussle, it didn’t seem a significant issue. Hamilton escaped a puncture, and Leclerc maintained decent speed despite the impaired front wing, which held together structurally.
After the race, Ferrari managed to fit a replacement front wing for the weigh-in—a move allowed due to the damage—and despite being slightly heavier, it did little to stave off later controversies.
Buoyed by Hamilton’s earlier victory, Ferrari seemed poised for success, appearing to have discovered the right trajectory for their new car. This, in turn, allowed Hamilton to put forth competitive performances against Leclerc.
Yet, a closer examination revealed lingering issues. The drivers’ radio feedback suggested dissatisfaction with the guidance they received, with Leclerc particularly showing frustration, akin to his demeanor in Australia.
Ferrari’s promising start quickly unraveled. Unable to challenge George Russell ahead, Hamilton struggled relative to his Sprint performance, indicating a willingness to experiment with strategies. Leclerc, shadowing Hamilton, was eventually let through, but his pace waned, and both were powerless against Verstappen’s comeback after his initial doldrums in the Red Bull.
Opting for a two-stop strategy, Hamilton’s gamble had no negative impact, yet Ferrari remained the fourth fastest, unable to challenge McLaren, Russell, or Verstappen.
The Scuderia’s weekend woes deepened pre-race, as setup issues caused Hamilton’s skid block to wear more than the allowed minimum. The sprint weekend format adds pressure for precise setups within tight windows, yet Ferrari failed to adapt appropriately despite the Saturday trials offering key insights.
Past follies from 2023, such as disqualifications due to similar issues at the United States Grand Prix, should have spurred the team to prevent this repeat. Leclerc’s car being underweight pointed to strategic miscalculations, further compounded by his one-stop tactic, a choice reminiscent of past errors.
In 2023, strategic missteps, such as the one by Russell at Spa-Francorchamps, and others opting for extended stints, should have been cautionary tales. Yet, Ferrari finds itself repeating mistakes, leaving Shanghai with two disqualifications and trailing Williams in the constructors’ standings.
“Charles was on a one-stop today, very high tire wear causing underweight issues,” Ferrari admitted. “We misjudged Lewis’ skid, no advantage intended. We’ll learn from this to avoid future mistakes.”
Early days though it may be, Ferrari’s initial rounds are marred with costly errors. McLaren’s 61-point lead underscores a difficult season ahead if Ferrari aims to reclaim its former glory.
Hamilton’s caution against premature judgments after one race rang true, yet the initial rounds reflected a Ferrari pre-Vasseur’s steadying influence, caught in self-inflicted turmoil.
“I don’t feel the pressure,” Hamilton assured post-race. “We’re committed to progress, not haste. Rome wasn’t built in one day. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
However, McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull won’t wait for Ferrari to sort itself out. The team was poised for a winning season, and even Leclerc acknowledged that Hamilton seemed to have joined at just the right time during pre-season.
Yet, the momentum from Hamilton’s win quickly dissipated, overshadowed by Sunday’s events in China. Vasseur anticipated this year’s scrutiny but perhaps underestimated Ferrari’s capacity for self-sabotage.
Just days ago, Hamilton turned the narrative with promise, but by Sunday, Ferrari’s errors flipped it back. Vasseur now faces the critical task of aligning his team firmly in the weeks to come.
