epa11671766 Charles Leclerc of Monaco (L) and Carlos Sainz of Spain (R) for Team Ferrari during the Driver’s Parade before the Formula One United States Grand Prix, at the Cirtcuit of the Americas in Austin, TX, USA, 20 October 2024. EPA/JOHN MABANGLO
Ferrari's last championship glory came back in 2008, but a remarkable one-two finish at the US GP has invigorated their hopes for this year's constructors' championship title.
Race winner Charles Leclerc expressed optimism for the remaining races, even as he recognised the challenge ahead with just five rounds left in the season.
Currently, McLaren hold a 40-point lead over reigning champions Red Bull, with Ferrari trailing in third place, just eight points behind. However, the Italian team made significant strides at the Circuit of the Americas, amassing an impressive 55 points.
This tally was not only their largest single weekend score of the year but also exceeded McLaren's haul by 27 points and topped Red Bull's by 26 points.
In an optimistic address, Leclerc stated, "We've got to target winning the constructors’ title.
Charles Leclerc insists Ferrari are "still targeting the title" after superb Austin triumph 💪#F1 #USGP https://t.co/FPnEwj1cM5
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 21, 2024
“It's an optimistic goal, but that's what we are here for. It's been a really good weekend for the team ... hopefully, at the end of the year, when we do the math, we will have won the constructors’ title."
He emphasised that if they perform at their best in the remaining races, they have a shot at clinching the title, regardless of McLaren's performance.
Teammate Carlos Sainz, who finished second, echoed Leclerc's hopes, suggesting that upcoming races in Mexico and Las Vegas might favour Ferrari.
Reflecting on the unpredictability of the season, he remarked, "I'm basing myself a bit on last year. This year everything seems a bit different."
He also expressed uncertainty about the challenges that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi circuits might present, hoping their current pace continues to shine as the season concludes. Sainz is set to leave Ferrari for Williams at the end of the season to make way for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Ferrari’s first US one-two since 2006 and a best-ever home result for Haas
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 21, 2024
All the juicy stats from Austin 👇#F1 #USGP https://t.co/H0fI5ekRfI
While Ferrari celebrated their resurgence, McLaren's Lando Norris described the race as a "momentum killer" for his title challenge after a disappointing performance against Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Norris entered the race having closed the championship gap to 52 but left Texas 57 points adrift following a race where he started from pole position yet finished fourth.
Reflecting on the race, Norris acknowledged the competitiveness of Ferrari, stating, "The fact that Ferrari was so quick showed they're just as competitive."
“It was a non-successful weekend, all in all,” he continued. “But we gave it a good shot. I tried. It wasn't good enough and we have work to do and I have work to do myself.”
In what turned out to be a contentious race day, Norris and Verstappen found themselves embroiled in two pivotal moments – losing ground at the start due to an aggressive move and later receiving a penalty for an off-track pass that snuffed out an opportunity to contend for a podium.
Norris remarked on this experience, saying, "I respect the battle that we had. It was a good one. It was enjoyable. I think it was respectful."
He offered reflections on his own performance, suggesting that better decision-making could have altered his fortunes, stating, "If I defended better in turn one and wasn't driving like a muppet, then I should have led after turn one."
Reuters