With three races to go McLaren must defend a 36 point lead over Ferrari and 49 over Red Bull; despite gaining a big chunk of points in the summer races, Mercedes’ threat didn’t last much longer. After the start of the season, nobody could’ve predicted Red Bull’s ten race slump that saw Max Verstappen win zero races from Barcelona to Interlagos. However, the internal war between Horner and the Austrian-Dutch camp had undermined the team’s stability and perhaps its technical advantage. Huge figures, Newey and Wheatley to mention a couple, have already left or will gradually leave the team. Some experienced designers and specialist engineers have moved to Ferrari as a result of the recruitment campaign for the 2026 engine, which was positive but did not take any key personnel away from the competition. In the meantime, Verstappen Marko and Horner signed an indefinite truce to secure at least the drivers’ title.
McLaren has found itself stronger than outsiders (and even itself) had predicted. Despite several clumsy mistakes, the team can return to winning ways 27 years later. After Interlagos, the team may see the pressure relieved on Lando Norris, now with very low chances of chasing down Verstappen; while it cannot consider itself positive, on the other hand it may prove useful and allow the British driver to express his full potential. Red Bull has shown signs of improvement but the MCL38 will land as the favourite in two out of the three remaining races. The task for Ferrari in the role of main antagonist is not easy, but neither is it impossible. Not counting out-of-control variables such as temperatures and complex conditions, competitiveness in races like Abu Dhabi and Lusail will depend fundamentally on qualifying position. The SF-24 overall still isn’t competitive on one lap or in low track temperatures. The situation was much improved with the Monza upgrades, but it could not be fixed in every condition.
Exclusive: in Las Vegas Ferrari will test an experimental fund useful for the 677 project.
“If we find something (in the wind tunnel) we will try it,” were Vasseur’s words a few weeks ago in Texas. The most important updates are finished, however Ferrari will have an experimental floor specification fitted for Friday’s free practice which will be useful for the correlation of the new 2025 car. Due to budget cap issues, since it is a component useful only for testing, there will be only one element in Las Vegas; however, according to the plans, both drivers will have a chance to try for a run. It is certainly a way to verify some steps forward in the implementation of the first underbody of the 677 model, which will have a far more advanced design than the current spec. Nevertheless, no one trusts that they have permanently eliminated the bouncing effect: engineers want to make sure they continue development relying on positive anti-porpoising metrics (thanks to the Monza spec) in the most sensitive areas.
The real update in Las Vegas will be the availability of a less draggy front wing compared to the Monza specification (which will be present); the new wing is to be used should the track offer satisfactory levels of grip. On the rear, on the other hand, the engineers will choose the best option between the ones used in Spa and Monza. Ferrari’s original program does not feature a Power Unit change on Leclerc’s car. Brazil’s wet qualifying and race saved stress and degradation miles for the Monegasque’s fresher unit. Engineers count on continuing rotations within the elements of the available pool. Unlike what happened with the SF-23, there will not be a fully red-white livery this year: we will only see a small distinctive note on the livery of the SF-24. There will also be a logo on the uniforms of drivers and mechanics to commemorate the launch of ‘Gladiator II’ . The Maranello team knows that the fast Las Vegas track represents the best opportunity of the remaining three to cut the gap from McLaren.
