Why Ferrari opt for a completely different car concept in 2024

Ferrari started very strongly in the first season of the current regulations. The new Ferrari was fast and Charles Leclerc won two of the first three races. After that, however, it soon became clear that the Ferrari's ceiling was quickly reached. Whereas the RB18 and later RB19 got faster and faster, there was not much stretch in Ferrari's concept.

The team has always been very open about wanting to break new ground in 2024. Again, this is striking from Ferrari's press release. "The design team, led by Enrico Cardille, aims to give Charles and Carlos a car that is more controllable and predictably responsive. This takes the positive feeling of the last few races last year as a starting point."

Why Ferrari are taking a different direction

The chassis technical director himself fleshes out how he approached this: "With the SF-24, we wanted to develop a completely new concept. Every part of the car has been redeveloped, even though our starting point was last season's developments. We listened to the drivers' feedback and turned those ideas into the new car. The aim is to give the drivers a car where it is easier to get the most out of."

It is an immediate test for Cardille and his team. The successful early 2022 car was still designed under the direction of Mattia Binotto. Now Frederic Vasseur is firmly in charge and Cardille is the forward man on the car. The SF-24 is truly their car and the two will be looked up to by everyone.