Ferrari Hits Rock Bottom in Qatar Amidst Season-Long Struggles

Ferrari's struggles reached a new low in Qatar, as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton found themselves off the pace, battling a car that lacked grip and confidence. The weekend highlighted the team's ongoing challenges and the urgent need for a reset heading into the off-season.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's dismal performance in Qatar underscores a season plagued by inconsistency and an inability to challenge for wins. For a team of Ferrari's stature, finishing outside the points consistently for Hamilton and struggling for Leclerc is a significant concern that impacts their championship aspirations and team morale. This race further emphasizes the urgent need for strategic changes and technical improvements for the upcoming seasons.

The Details:

• Leclerc's Frustration: Charles Leclerc, despite his best efforts, could only manage P8. He described the car as "not competitive for a single lap" after struggling with grip and recovering from a high-speed spin in qualifying. He was notably overtaken by Alex Albon early in the race without significant resistance.
• Hamilton's Woes: Lewis Hamilton's race was even more challenging. After a decent start on soft tires, his strategy was derailed by an early safety car. He then faced delays during a double-stack pit stop behind Leclerc and struggled with the car's handling. "I was almost overtaken by a Sauber and couldn't keep up with the Williams," Hamilton stated, finishing P13 with no points.
• Team Principal's Take: Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur admitted, "The setup was wrong from the start. We also had problems with tire pressure. We drove like we were on balloons." Onboard footage reportedly showed both cars to be highly unstable and difficult to control.
• Lack of Grip: A recurring theme for both drivers was the critical lack of grip, which made it impossible to push the SF-25 and left them vulnerable to rivals, even from midfield teams.

The Big Picture:

Ferrari's performance in Qatar stands in stark contrast to the championship battle unfolding at the front, where Max Verstappen's victory tightened his gap to Lando Norris. While Leclerc was reduced to watching the title fight on trackside screens, the Scuderia's immediate focus must shift to understanding their car's fundamental issues and preparing for a more competitive 2025 season. The team collected only four points in Qatar, a stark reminder of their current standing.

What's next:

With the winter break approaching, Ferrari desperately needs time to regroup and address the SF-25's deficiencies. Leclerc hopes for a more positive end to the season, acknowledging that even a podium finish is a tall order. The team must conduct a thorough analysis of their car's setup, tire management, and overall performance to prevent a repeat of their Qatar disaster. The upcoming break offers a crucial opportunity for Maranello to reset and strategize for a stronger comeback.