Charles Leclerc secured pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic race. Max Verstappen, however, will start from a disappointing sixth, while Lando Norris faced a frustrating qualifying session, ending up in 17th. The session was filled with unexpected twists and turns, setting the scene for a thrilling race.
Charles Leclerc masterfully managed his tires to secure a one-stop victory at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, outpacing the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The Ferrari driver celebrated his second win at the track, captivating the passionate tifosi and adding a second victory to his 2023 season.
Charles Leclerc, the last Ferrari driver to win at Monza, acknowledges the team’s motivation for the Italian Grand Prix, but believes they are not yet ready to challenge for victory. He highlights the team’s recent struggles with pace and expects a performance closer to the Belgian Grand Prix, aiming for a podium finish.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, despite posting the fastest time, faces a 10-place grid penalty due to engine changes. Sergio Perez will start alongside Leclerc, with Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris completing the second row.
Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Adrian Newey’s reported decision to leave Red Bull raises questions about Max Verstappen’s future, while Nico Hulkenberg’s move to Sauber stirs up the driver market. Ferrari faces a growing on-track battle between Leclerc and Sainz, and Verstappen eyes more history amid Mercedes’ struggles. The Sprint format and team upgrades add to the unpredictability of the weekend in Miami.
In a bold departure from tradition, Ferrari will shed its iconic red livery for the Miami Grand Prix in May, embracing fresh and unexpected shades of blue. This one-off design change marks the 70th anniversary of Ferrari’s arrival in North America and draws inspiration from the team’s rich history. Two distinct blue hues, Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino, will adorn the SF-24 cars driven by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Azzurro La Plata evokes the color worn by legendary driver Alberto Ascari during his championship victories, while Azzurro Dino pays homage to the shade first worn by Ferrari in 1974. This special livery will extend to the racing suits worn by the drivers, further emphasizing the significance of this momentous occasion.
Ferrari’s iconic red race cars will take on a vibrant blue hue for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, paying homage to the team’s American expansion. The SF-24 will feature two distinct shades of blue, including a lighter shade similar to the Argentinian flag and a darker shade known as Azzurro Dino, honoring legendary driver Clay Regazzoni. Ferrari’s special livery and race suits aim to celebrate the team’s breakthrough into the American market.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are expected to benefit from significant car upgrades from Ferrari at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. Despite the challenges of introducing updates during a Sprint weekend, Ferrari is determined to provide its drivers with improved performance. The upgrades aim to boost both the speed and appearance of the car, featuring a striking blue livery. Leclerc believes the upgrades will play a crucial role in shaping Ferrari’s season, while rival Lewis Hamilton will keenly observe the team’s progress as he prepares to join them next year.
Former Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg expresses no interest in selling Charles Leclerc’s new ice cream brand, LEC, at his wife’s shop in Ibiza. Rosberg acknowledges Leclerc’s ambitious expansion in the ice cream industry but maintains the superiority of his own shop. Despite their rivalry in the ice cream business, Rosberg supports Leclerc in a recent on-track incident with teammate Carlos Sainz at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Ferrari’s strong start to the 2024 Formula 1 season hit a bump in the road at the Chinese GP, as the team failed to finish on the podium for the first time this year. Instead of focusing on their rivalry with Red Bull, the spotlight was on the internal battle between drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, marked by incidents in both the Saturday Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Leclerc accused Sainz of pushing too hard in their fight for fourth in the Sprint, leading to contact between their cars. In the main race, Sainz felt disadvantaged when Leclerc forced him wide at the start, costing them both positions. Sainz’s frustration stemmed from knowing that he will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton in 2025, raising questions about his motivation. Commentator David Croft suggested that Ferrari may need to speak to their drivers again to emphasize that their duels must not harm the team’s overall performance. Croft also pointed out that McLaren’s strong showing in China means Leclerc and Sainz cannot afford to take each other out. Despite the disappointing result in Shanghai, Leclerc remains hopeful about Ferrari’s upcoming car update, which he believes could be a game-changer. The new package is expected to arrive in time for the Miami GP, the season’s second consecutive Sprint weekend.
