Resurgence of the prancing horse: What Ferrari’s return means for F1

It’s been sixteen years – that’s a long time – since Ferrari were crowned Formula 1 constructor champions. The global icon drought may finally be broken in 2024.

Twenty-nine points behind McLaren with four races remaining and what looks to be an important showdown for Formula 1’s most famous teams.

Recent form does not deceive. The Scuderia achieved back-to-back wins for the first time in two years, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc taking wins in Mexico and the United States.

This revolution has been in the hands of mastermind Frédéric Vasseur, who has inspired the Maranello team. Ferrari’s extraordinary improvement has been the team’s race delta over the past two events. Fighting across the field in Austin and dominating the front in Mexico – tracks with very different characteristics – show a base package that can fight for victory at different circuits.

Discreetly, Austin made no announced upgrades to Ferrari’s front wing. The structural change to increase wing flexibility was considered a development of the Singapore upgrade, in line with McLaren and Red Bull. An item that does not need to be declared. The increased front wing flexibility ensures increased aerodynamic control over the car, helping to establish a wider range of corner profiles.

Vasseur attempted to downplay this significance after the US Grand Prix, arguing, “Obviously it’s not a game-changer, but we are in a position today where every hundredth of a second is making a difference. ”

Still, the evidence remains consistent. Ferrari’s bid for the championship should excite the fanatics.

(Photo by Kim Illman/Getty Images)

The implications for Formula 1 are huge. Such a commercially respected team creates a new one among the tifosi who were deprived of the said success. Stories are a mainstay in Formula 1 and the 1980s and 1990s saw a period in which Ferrari and McLaren battled it out for glory. The resurgence of this rivalry cannot be underestimated.

Sports fans can get excited about the prospects of these final four races. While Leclerc may be accepted as the future of the team, the story centers around Sainz, who is departing at the end of the season. The Spaniard has the ability to keep his talents at the forefront of the minds of decision makers. Farewell as constructor champion would be a fitting legacy for an under-appreciated pilot.

Irrespective of whether 2024 will signal the end of the championship drought, Ferrari’s ambitions are placed in future battles. Lewis Hamilton arrives at the Scuderia to partner Leclerc in 2025. A seven-time winner, his influence has been theorized to create a new dominant era not seen at Maranello since Michael Schumacher in the 2000s.

If Ferrari are to return to the top the battle between generations will be a titanic, mouth-watering battle that is already promising to showcase the wonders of Formula 1.

The final four races will define what reasonable expectations should be on the Scuderia. However, there is little doubt among those hopeful of a match with McLaren in 2025, Ferrari may be best placed to challenge or even challenge Ferrari.