Felipe Massa: Ferrari ‘still missing something’ in F1 title pursuit

Former Ferrari Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa believes the Italian F1 giant is “still missing something” in its seemingly never-ending chase of another title.

Ferrari has ebbed and flowed between disaster and glory ever since Kimi Raikkonen secured the F1 Driver’s title adorned in scarlet back in 2007.

2024 has been a microcosm of that struggle, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc picking up fine victories in Australia, Monaco and Italy, only for the Scuderia to flounder in several Grands Prix amid ill-fated upgrades.

Massa narrowly missed out on the 2008 Drivers’ title with Ferrari and is firmly in the Scuderia’s supporting camp this year.

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“They are improving the car, they did some good laps at the last tracks, good races,” Massa told RacingNews365.

“I really hope they can do some nice racing through to the end of the season.”

Leclerc’s victory at Monza was his second trip to the podium in a three-race period, having secured third and second at the Dutch and Azerbaijan Grands Prix respectively.

A poor qualifying performance at Singapore cost Leclerc and Sainz the chance of a string result, but the Scuderia’s pace was evident as both drivers progressed from lowly grid spots.

Leclerc finished fifth, having started ninth on the Grid in Singapore while Sainz raced from 10th to seventh.

Ferrari is an outside bet in 2024 F1 title fight

As it stands, Ferrari is an outside candidate in the Constructors’ Championship battle, sitting third in the standings with 441 points, 75 behind leaders McLaren.

Leclerc is leading the Ferrari charge in the Drivers’ Championship, also sitting third in the standings with 245 points, 86 behind leader Max Verstappen.

Flashes of incredible pace in 2024, typified by Leclerc’s one-stop masterclass victory at Monza, have shown Ferrari is close to mounting a title challenge.

However, inconsistency in 2024 means F1 glory is likely out of reach for the Scuderia this season, but Massa is hopeful Ferrari can conjure title magic soon.

“Ferrari has shown they have a good car, they have a good team,” Massa said.

“Maybe still missing something to be on the perfect level, to fight for the championship.

“I really hope they find that missing point soon so they can fight for the championship, especially [in 2025].”

Massa’s 2008 title rival, Lewis Hamilton, will also be hoping Ferrari finds that “missing point” in 2025, as he is set to join Leclerc next year at F1’s most-revered team.

READ MORE: Ferrari insists it must operate on Charles Leclerc’s level to win F1 titles