Steiner: Ferrari's Driver Lineup Key to Securing Second in Constructors' Battle

Former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Ferrari's formidable driver pairing of Charles Leclerc and incoming Lewis Hamilton gives them a crucial edge in the fight for second place in the Constructors' Championship. With the Italian squad currently holding a slim one-point advantage over Mercedes and Red Bull just 10 points behind, the battle for runner-up honors is intensifying as the season nears its conclusion.

Why it matters:

The Constructors' Championship position carries significant financial implications and prestige. Securing second over rivals like Mercedes and potentially Red Bull (though unlikely, given their current dominance) would be a major boost for Ferrari, validating their strategic driver choices and overall team direction. It also sets a strong foundation for their 2025 and 2026 campaigns, particularly with Hamilton joining.

The Details:

• Current Standings: Ferrari is one point ahead of Mercedes, with Red Bull a mere 10 points behind in a surprisingly tight race for second, reflecting the fluctuating fortunes of the top teams outside of runaway leader Max Verstappen.
• Leclerc's Impact: Charles Leclerc's strong performance, including a second-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix, was pivotal in propelling Ferrari back into the P2 slot.
• Steiner's Assessment: Guenther Steiner, speaking on the Red Flags podcast, highlighted Ferrari's "best driver pairing" as their primary advantage. He contrasted this with:
  • Mercedes: Acknowledged as having a "good pairing," but noted the presence of a "rookie" (referring to Kimi Antonelli, expected to join).
  • Red Bull: Stated that "normally, only one guy scores," implying a reliance on Max Verstappen for points.

The Big Picture:

While the championship fight at the very top is settled, the battle for the remaining positions in the constructors' table is fierce. This tight competition underscores the importance of every point, particularly in the closing stages of the season. A strong driver lineup, capable of consistently delivering high points, becomes paramount in such scenarios. Ferrari's strategic move to secure Hamilton, even ahead of his arrival, appears to be a vote of confidence in their long-term driver strategy.

Between the lines:

Steiner's comments subtly hint at the challenges other teams face. Mercedes, while strong, might feel the impact of integrating a new, unproven driver. Red Bull's clear reliance on Verstappen means that if Sergio Perez doesn't perform, their points tally can suffer. Ferrari, with two proven, top-tier talents, aims to mitigate such risks and maximize their points potential every weekend. This also emphasizes the growing trend of teams prioritizing a strong, consistent two-driver lineup over a clear number one and number two structure.

What's next:

With only a few rounds remaining, every race will be critical. Ferrari will need both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to deliver strong, consistent performances to hold off Mercedes. The dynamic will shift further in 2025 when Lewis Hamilton officially joins, potentially solidifying Ferrari's position as having one of the strongest, if not the strongest, driver lineups on the grid.