Formula 1’s highly anticipated return to Las Vegas next weekend marks the beginning of the final triple-header of the 2024 season. For Ferrari, it’s not just another race—it’s a chance to capitalize on a rollercoaster season and solidify its standing in the Constructors’ Championship.
Fresh off a successful triple-header in Austin, Mexico City, and Sao Paulo, Ferrari heads to Sin City with a mix of optimism and caution. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have proven the SF-24’s potential, but questions remain about how their car will adapt to the unique challenges of Las Vegas.
Ferrari’s 2023 Las Vegas Memories: A Taste of What Could Be
Last year, Ferrari made a strong impression on the Las Vegas Grand Prix grid, locking out the front row in qualifying with Leclerc on pole. However, a loose drain cover in practice forced Sainz into a costly power unit change, dropping him ten places on the starting grid. Despite these setbacks, Leclerc secured a second-place finish behind Max Verstappen, while Sainz fought back to claim sixth.
This year, Ferrari returns with a car that boasts significant improvements in tyre management—a key area of concern in the icy desert temperatures expected in Las Vegas.
Leclerc: “We’ll Have a Shot to Win It”
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Charles Leclerc expressed cautious optimism about Ferrari’s chances in Las Vegas. The Monegasque driver acknowledged that the SF-24’s better tyre degradation could be an advantage but warned that colder conditions might present new challenges.
“I think on paper it’s a track where we should perform well,” Leclerc stated. “However, the fact we have improved a lot with tyre management means on a track where it is so cold, it will be difficult to put the tyres in the right window.”
Despite this, Leclerc remains confident. “On paper, it still looks positive. Maybe not as positive as last year, but seeing how close everything is, I believe we will have a shot to win it.”
The SF-24: A Car Built for the Long Game
Ferrari’s 2023 F1 car excelled in qualifying but faltered in races due to excessive tyre degradation. The SF-24, however, has been engineered with race performance in mind, prioritizing tyre longevity over one-lap pace. This adjustment has already borne fruit, as seen in Leclerc’s win in Austin and Sainz’s dominant victory in Mexico City.
But as Ferrari learned in Sao Paulo, wet and unpredictable conditions can still expose vulnerabilities. The Las Vegas Grand Prix will test whether the SF-24’s balance of tyre performance can adapt to extreme cold—a key factor on the newly designed street circuit.
What to Expect at the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The Las Vegas circuit’s unique characteristics—long straights, high-speed corners, and potentially icy temperatures—pose a fresh challenge for all teams. While Ferrari’s improved tyre degradation offers hope, the ability to quickly bring tyres into the optimal operating window during qualifying and the race will be critical.
Leclerc and Sainz will also need to fend off fierce competition from Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes, all of whom are locked in a tight battle for supremacy in the season’s final stretch.
A Crucial Race for Ferrari’s 2024 Campaign
As the curtain falls on the 2024 season, Ferrari has much to prove. A strong showing in Las Vegas could cement its reputation as the team to watch heading into 2025, while a stumble might overshadow its recent successes. For Leclerc and Sainz, the Las Vegas Grand Prix isn’t just about glory—it’s about building momentum and confidence for the future.
Conclusion: Can Ferrari Roll the Dice and Win Big?
With an SF-24 designed for consistency and race-day resilience, Ferrari has every reason to believe it can contend in Las Vegas. Yet, the unpredictable nature of a new street circuit and extreme conditions mean that nothing is guaranteed.
If Ferrari can strike the right balance between tyre management and outright performance, Leclerc and Sainz might just walk away from the Strip with more than a handful of chips—they could leave with another trophy.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as Formula 1 lights up the Las Vegas Strip for what promises to be an unforgettable race.