At the beginning of the Dutch GP weekend, the narrative surrounding Ferrari was relatively gloomy. However, Leclerc and Sainz achieved a significant step forward on Sunday, consistently setting times that kept McLaren and Red Bull<\/a> honest.<\/p>\n This result is a welcome boost for Ferrari after months of losing ground to their rivals. Yesterday’s podium finish also supports Fred Vasseur’s relentless optimism.<\/p>\n The 56-year-old believes the team’s recent dip in form is only a blip and expects a return to their race-winning pace in the near future.<\/p>\n According to Vasseur, there is no reason why Ferrari cannot fight for the Championship:<\/p>\n “Red Bull dominated at the beginning,” <\/em>he told Corriere Della Sera<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Then we did well, then McLaren and finally Mercedes<\/a>. It will be a rollercoaster until the end.<\/em><\/p>\n “I think we are already fighting [for the World Championship] this year. We won [races], so the potential is there despite some mistakes.<\/em><\/p>\n “And in any case, the development of the 2025 Ferrari is proceeding well,” <\/em>he added.<\/p>\n Ferrari’s next upgrades are scheduled for this weekend’s Italian GP. The Italian outfit looks to make a statement on home soil.<\/p>\n As evidenced by McLaren’s latest package<\/a>, progress in the development race can instantly deliver huge results. With the top four teams so closely matched, a matter of tenths makes all the difference.<\/p>\n Despite struggling for pace all weekend, Ferrari secured a strong result at the Dutch GP.<\/p>\n With this in mind, the Maranello-based team must work to continue maximising their results. Perhaps more importantly, Vasseur’s team<\/a> will hope their upgrades give them more to work with.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/08\/1b6728d5-0e50-4331-bade-6426edef859a-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMonza upgrades will define the SF-24’s trajectory<\/h3>\n