Charles Leclerc delivered a masterclass at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, storming from 19th on the grid to a stunning P3 finish. Yet, his heroic drive wasn’t enough to secure Ferrari the Constructors’ Championship, as McLaren sealed the title with a dominant performance.
A Drive for the Ages
Leclerc faced an uphill battle after being penalized 10 grid places for a new energy store (ES). Undeterred, the Monegasque unleashed a relentless charge through the field, overtaking rivals with precision and aggression. His calculated moves on the Yas Marina circuit showcased why he’s considered one of Formula 1’s brightest talents.
However, despite his best efforts, Ferrari’s 21-point deficit to McLaren entering the finale proved insurmountable. The Papayas locked out the front row and executed a flawless race to clinch the championship, leaving Leclerc and Ferrari in the runner-up spot.
Frustration Despite the Glory
After crossing the line in third, an emotional Leclerc was seen hitting his steering wheel in frustration. While his race engineer and team praised his heroic effort, the sting of falling short was palpable.
“I knew I had to be very aggressive; I knew I had to take all the risks,” Leclerc said post-race. “This was achieved, but we just started too far back. I think we’ve done the maximum, but this hurts. It was a hard hit on Friday, knowing we had the penalty.”
Ferrari’s Rollercoaster Year
Ferrari’s 2024 season was one of progress and promise, yet it ended in heartbreak. The Scuderia showed flashes of brilliance, with Leclerc consistently challenging the dominant McLaren team. But moments like Leclerc’s grid penalty in Abu Dhabi exemplified the hurdles Ferrari couldn’t overcome.
During the race, Ferrari showed strong pace on the medium compound tires in the opening stint. However, McLaren’s superior performance on the hard tires widened the gap. Despite closing it to seven seconds after the pit stops, Ferrari couldn’t mount a sustained challenge.
A Season to Build On
Leclerc’s drive encapsulated Ferrari’s spirit—relentless, ambitious, but ultimately outgunned by McLaren’s consistent dominance. Despite the disappointment, Leclerc remains optimistic about Ferrari’s future.
“This year hurts, but we’ve made progress,” he said. “We’ll take the positives and come back stronger. Next year, we’ll be ready to fight again.”
Looking Ahead
Ferrari’s second-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, though bittersweet, marks a step forward. With an improving car and Leclerc’s determination, the Maranello squad will undoubtedly aim to challenge McLaren’s supremacy in 2025.
For Leclerc, his P3 finish in Abu Dhabi serves as both a testament to his skill and a reminder of the work still to be done. As the dust settles on the 2024 season, one thing is clear: Charles Leclerc and Ferrari are far from done chasing glory.
