Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur expressed disappointment following a double retirement at the recent race, acknowledging the difficulty of finding positives as the Formula 1 season nears its conclusion. The result further diminishes championship hopes for both drivers, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, in his debut season with the team, and Charles Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019.
This setback underscores a challenging season for the iconic Scuderia, with Leclerc’s best finish remaining a distant second place in the 2019 championship. The double DNF highlights the ongoing struggles to translate potential into consistent results, impacting not only the drivers’ standings but also Ferrari’s constructors’ championship position and future development direction.
“After an afternoon like this, one must try to see the positive aspects of the weekend – even if that is challenging when the season is drawing to a close and you are heading home with a double retirement,” Vasseur stated.
Hamilton joined Ferrari this season, while Leclerc has represented the team since 2019, achieving a career-best championship result of second place in 2019. Though,he currently trails significantly in the 2024 standings.