Carlos Sainz has revealed the secret behind Ferrari’s dramatic resurgence in the second half of the 2024 Formula 1 season: a subtle but game-changing adjustment in how the team generates downforce. With three wins and six podiums since the summer break, Ferrari has surged to second in the Constructors’ Championship and reignited hopes of ending its title drought.
As Sainz prepares to leave Maranello for Williams Racing in 2025, the Spaniard reflects on the technical breakthroughs that have transformed Ferrari’s fortunes and set the stage for one of its strongest campaigns in years.
“Usable Downforce” Unlocks Ferrari’s Potential
Ferrari’s SF-24 has undergone a minor yet impactful evolution that Sainz believes has made all the difference. Speaking candidly about the improvements, he emphasized that while the changes to downforce might appear small on paper, the results on track have been transformative.
“My personal feeling is that it was a very small step in terms of downforce, but it’s just been a bigger step in terms of usable downforce,” Sainz explained. “The car doesn’t bounce as much, and it’s into a decent window. That’s how a Formula 1 car should behave. It’s just giving us a much better platform to work with.”
This newfound stability has not only boosted the SF-24’s performance but also given Ferrari’s drivers the confidence to push harder. The team’s performance during the recent tripleheader was proof of this, with Charles Leclerc winning in Austin and Sainz himself triumphing in Mexico City.
Ferrari’s Formula 1 Renaissance
Ferrari’s post-summer break surge has been nothing short of remarkable. Scoring 116 points during the last tripleheader, the team has emerged as one of the strongest challengers to Red Bull’s dominance. This uptick in form coincides with key personnel changes that have injected new energy into the Maranello-based outfit.
For the first time in years, Ferrari is being discussed as a genuine title contender. With strategies clicking and technical improvements paying off, the team is closer than ever to recapturing the Constructors’ Championship it last won in 2007.
Sainz’s Next Chapter: A Bold Move to Williams Racing
While Ferrari is riding high, Carlos Sainz is preparing for a new challenge. The Spaniard will leave Ferrari after four seasons to join Williams Racing in 2025, marking a significant shift in his career. Sainz will make his first appearance with the Grove-based team in a post-season test following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Williams Racing, a team with a storied nine-time Constructors’ Championship history, has struggled in the modern era of Formula 1. However, the team views Sainz as a cornerstone of its long-term revival strategy, particularly with the sweeping new regulations set to reshape the sport in 2026.
Williams Banking on Sainz and 2026 Regulations
For Williams, the arrival of Sainz is not just about bolstering its lineup but about signaling its intent to return to the front of the grid. With the Spaniard’s experience and proven ability to extract the maximum from a car, the team hopes to build momentum heading into the new regulatory era.
“The test session will provide a valuable chance for Carlos to begin integrating into his new team environment,” Williams Racing said in a statement.
Though currently among the backmarkers, Williams aims to leverage Sainz’s expertise and the opportunities presented by the 2026 rules to mount a comeback.
The Road Ahead: Ferrari’s Title Push and Sainz’s Legacy
As the 2024 season nears its conclusion, Ferrari and Sainz find themselves at a crossroads. For Ferrari, the focus is firmly on sustaining its momentum and potentially clinching a long-awaited Constructors’ title. For Sainz, the remaining races represent an opportunity to leave Maranello on a high note before embarking on his Williams journey.
With Sainz’s departure, Ferrari loses a driver who has been instrumental in its resurgence. However, his contributions to the SF-24’s development and the team’s success this season will remain a key part of his legacy.
Conclusion: Two Teams, One Vision for the Future
Ferrari’s resurgence and Sainz’s move to Williams are stories of transformation, resilience, and ambition. While Ferrari inches closer to reclaiming its place at the top, Williams is setting the stage for a revival of its own. Both teams have their eyes on the future, with Sainz at the center of the action.
The next chapter of Carlos Sainz’s career begins in Abu Dhabi, but his impact on Ferrari—and the lessons he brings to Williams—will resonate for seasons to come.