Why is Ferrari struggling? A deep dive into the issues

As the 2024 Formula 1 season unfolds, Ferrari finds itself in a challenging position, striving to close the gap to the dominant Red Bull team.

Despite recent improvements, the Italian outfit faces internal hurdles that hinder its ability to maximize the potential of its upgrades.

Since the Suzuka Grand Prix, Ferrari has managed to recover two-tenths of a second to Red Bull, showcasing the effectiveness of their recent updates.

However, the team acknowledges that the car's current issues prevent them from fully capitalizing on these improvements.

As the season progresses, the Scuderia must address these limitations to further bridge the performance gap.

Team orders and internal dynamics

The recent race saw a clear disregard for team orders by Carlos Sainz, which could potentially strain the relationship between the two Ferrari drivers.

Charles Leclerc will need to be cautious of his teammate's apparent unwillingness to prioritize the team's objectives.

This internal dynamic may have implications for Ferrari's strategy and overall performance in the coming races.

Development plan

Looking ahead, Ferrari has planned a few more upgrade packages for the SF-24 in the 2024 season.

However, the team is already focusing on the development of the 677 for 2025, which will feature a completely new chassis and other significant changes.

The team has likely identified inherent limitations in the current design, prompting this overhaul.

Leadership changes

Loïc Serra is set to replace Enrico Cardile as Ferrari's Technical Director.

Cardile's departure, after two decades with the team, raises questions about the impact on Ferrari's technical knowledge and expertise.

While losing senior technical staff is rarely a positive development, change can sometimes bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to a team.

Cardile's decision to join Aston Martin may have been influenced by factors beyond financial considerations.

It is plausible that he was offered a role and level of autonomy at Aston Martin that was not available to him at Ferrari.

This pattern of senior engineers seeking promotions and greater freedom in other teams is not uncommon in Formula 1, as evidenced by the moves of Mattia Binotto, Simone Resta, Laurent Mekies, and now Cardile.

There is speculation that Cardile's departure aligns with Team Principal Fred Vasseur's long-term plan, which may have involved bringing in Serra to take on a leadership role.

If Cardile was expected to report to Serra, it could have led to dissatisfaction and prompted his decision to explore opportunities elsewhere.

While change can be unsettling, it also presents an opportunity for Ferrari to embrace new ideas and approaches.

The team's success will depend on how well it adapts to these leadership changes and maintains a cohesive technical vision for the future.

Potential partnerships and alliances

Rumors are circulating about the possible arrival of renowned designer Adrian Newey at Ferrari, with sources suggesting a verbal agreement has been reached.

Additionally, Flavio Briatore's involvement with the team could pave the way for a partnership between Ferrari and the Alpine team.

With Sauber set to join forces with Audi in 2026, Ferrari is open to supplying another team with power units.

While recent upgrades have shown promise, internal dynamics and inherent car limitations must be addressed to fully capitalize on their potential.

With leadership changes, rumored high-profile arrivals, and the possibility of new partnerships, the Scuderia is positioning itself for a resurgence in the coming years.