In what was anticipated to be a promising Grand Prix weekend for Ferrari, the team left the paddock scratching their heads after a performance that fell significantly short of expectations. Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur delivered an honest appraisal of Ferrari’s lackluster showing, admitting that not only did the Scuderia fail to maximize their car’s capabilities, but crucial shortcomings were evident across both qualifying and the race itself. For fans of the iconic Maranello squad, the frustration was palpable, raising questions about the Silver Arrows' ability to unlock the true pace of the SF-24.
From the early laps, it was apparent that Ferrari was struggling with balance and grip, particularly in the crucial middle sector of the circuit. Both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were vocal over team radio about the challenges they were facing, with Leclerc lamenting a lack of rear stability and Sainz commenting on understeer during high-speed corners. These issues resulted in both drivers qualifying behind their main championship rivals, consequently compromising their strategy options on Sunday.
Strategically, Ferrari’s approach was conservative, possibly as a reaction to their struggles in setting up the car. The team opted to extend their stint lengths, aiming for a late-race tyre advantage, but this never fully materialized. Instead, track position became more of an albatross than a benefit, with overtaking proving difficult—even with DRS assistance—on a circuit notorious for its limited passing opportunities.
Vasseur emphasized post-race that another key factor in the Scuderia's underwhelming performance was their inability to balance qualifying pace with race-day longevity—a delicate equilibrium that many of their rivals, notably Red Bull and Mercedes, have mastered. While qualifying often sets the stage for a strong points result, Ferrari’s SF-24 seemed more at ease during qualifying laps than in extended race conditions. The engineers will be tasked with addressing this discrepancy ahead of the next Grand Prix, as the battle in both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships heats up.
What made the weekend even more disappointing for the Tifosi was the sense of lost opportunity. With promising updates brought to the car and hopes high after recent competitive showings, both drivers found themselves out of contention for the podium well before the chequered flag. Leclerc, in particular, appeared deflated after the race, highlighting not only car limitations but also strategic choices that failed to bring out the team’s true potential.
Behind the scenes, rumblings suggest that Ferrari’s current development trajectory is under review. Insiders indicate that data correlation between factory simulations and on-track results has not been as precise as needed. This gap in understanding has led the Italian outfit to scrutinize their setup tools and simulation software in search of the missing tenths needed to rejoin the fight at the very front of the grid. The technical leadership is united in their determination to close that gap swiftly, as rivals continue to make incremental gains.
Looking ahead, the entire Ferrari camp acknowledges that improvements must be achieved on multiple fronts: maximizing the car’s one-lap speed, refining tyre management, devising bolder race strategies, and ensuring every department is aligned for the kind of precision and passion synonymous with the Prancing Horse. The season is still long, but in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, complacency is unforgivable.
Hungarian fans, always passionate about their beloved red team, await the next race with a mixture of hope and apprehension. The pressure is mounting, but so too is the motivation. As Ferrari eyes redemption, one certainty remains—the fans will support them every kilometer of the way, their faith as unyielding as the roar of an F1 engine on a Sunday afternoon.
