Some observers might struggle to see reasons for positivity at Ferrari in early 2024. After all, the Italian outfit starts the F1 season several points behind Red Bull – who have secured consecutive 1-2 finishes.<\/p>\n
Max Verstappen continues to excel in an RB20 machine<\/a> that has raised the bar. At face value, Fred Vassuer and his personnel are still several steps behind the reigning Champions.<\/p>\n However, there are plenty of indications that the Maranello-based outfit is reducing the deficit.<\/p>\n Perhaps the most important development for Ferrari this year is that – unlike last year – there is not a significant discrepancy between qualifying and race pace.<\/p>\n This was a problem that plagued the team twelve months ago, although there was notable progress in the final third of the season.<\/p>\n So far, in 2024, this upward trajectory has continued. Even customer team Haas<\/a> are benefiting from the Scuderia’s progress.<\/p>\n Although Enciro Cardile and his technical team are still working to extract more performance, the SF-24 is clearly more of a Sunday car than a Saturday one.<\/p>\n This is welcome news in Maranello, given that points are handed out in F1 for securing results on race day.<\/p>\n