Vasseur: Everyone at Ferrari ready to give it our best shot!

The Ferrari team principal added: "All we can do is execute everything perfectly to ensure that Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz can squeeze every last drop of performance out of the SF-24."

Fighting talk, as Formula 1 heads into the final two races of the 2024 season, Vasseur emphasised the razor-thin margins in today’s competition: “We have seen, especially in recent races, that Formula 1 as a whole is operating at a very high level right now, with the slightest detail often making the difference, turning the accepted status quo on its head.”

“It’s time for one last push over these next two weekends, and our drivers, engineers, and everyone in the team, both at the track and in Maranello, are ready to give it our best shot!” added Vasseur, now in his second full season as Ferrari team boss.

The Qatar Grand Prix, held at the Lusail Circuit, marks the final Sprint weekend of the year. It is a vital opportunity for Ferrari as they aim to close the 24-point gap to McLaren in the 2024 F1 Constructors' Championship.

This year’s event takes place two months later than in 2023, when scorching temperatures tested the drivers to their limits. While the conditions are expected to be milder, the desert climate still presents challenges, with wind and sandstorms a potential threat.

Ferrari faces a packed schedule with limited preparation time. Teams have just one practice session on Friday before Sprint Qualifying and the 100-kilometre Sprint race on Saturday. The Grand Prix itself, spanning 57 laps, takes place under the lights on Sunday evening.

Tyre management will be key at Lusail, a circuit known for its high-speed corners and historically high tyre degradation. Although last year’s enforced pit stops every 18 laps are unlikely to return, teams are expected to favour two-stop strategies to counter overtaking difficulties and optimise performance through undercuts or overcuts.

The Lusail Circuit presents a stark contrast to last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, swapping sharp 90-degree turns and long straights for flowing, high-speed corners. Vasseur acknowledged this challenge but remains optimistic that Ferrari can maintain its recent momentum.

With 59 points still available and Ferrari seeking its first F1 Constructors' championship title since 2008, the team knows a strong result in Qatar could set the stage for a dramatic season finale in Abu Dhabi.