Ferrari's current lineup for the 2024 season
Ferrari has two drivers on its Formula 1 team: Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Leclerc drives the number 16 car, and Sainz drives the number 55. Both are contracted through the 2024 season, though Ferrari has announced that Lewis Hamilton will join the team in 2025, replacing Sainz.
Leclerc has been with Ferrari since 2019 and is considered the team's lead driver. He has won multiple races for the Scuderia and is one of the few drivers on the grid who has spent this long with a single team. Sainz joined Ferrari in 2021 after three seasons with McLaren and has been a consistent points scorer and occasional race winner for the team.
Ferrari's driver pairing is one of the most watched in Formula 1 because the team is one of the sport's oldest and most prestigious, with a history dating back to 1950. The team's performance and driver choices are followed closely by fans and media worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are Ferrari's two drivers for the 2024 F1 season, driving cars numbered 16 and 55.
- Leclerc has been with Ferrari since 2019 and serves as the team's primary driver, while Sainz joined in 2021 from McLaren.
- Lewis Hamilton will replace Sainz at Ferrari starting in 2025, marking a major shift in the team's lineup.
- Ferrari is one of Formula 1's oldest and most successful teams, making its driver lineup a major topic in motorsport news.
Charles Leclerc's role at Ferrari
Charles Leclerc is a Monegasque driver born in 1997 who has been Ferrari's lead driver since joining the team. He has won multiple Grand Prix races for Ferrari and has finished in the top five of the championship standings in several seasons. Leclerc is known for his aggressive driving style and his ability to extract maximum performance from the car, particularly over a single may have access to lap.
Leclerc's long tenure with Ferrari has made him the team's reference point for development and strategy. He works closely with the engineering team to set the direction of car setup and improvements. His contract with Ferrari runs through 2024, and the team has indicated he will remain a core part of the organization beyond that point.
Carlos Sainz's performance and background
Carlos Sainz Jr. is a Spanish driver born in 1994 who joined Ferrari in 2021 after driving for Toro Rosso, McLaren, and Ferrari's sister team Alfa Romeo. At Ferrari, Sainz has proven himself as a consistent race finisher and has won multiple Grand Prix races, including the 2023 Australian Grand Prix and the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix.
Sainz is known for his smooth driving style and his ability to manage tires over long race distances. He has been a reliable second driver for Ferrari, often finishing in the points and occasionally challenging Leclerc for race wins. His experience across multiple teams has made him a valuable reference point for comparing car performance and setup philosophy.
Why Ferrari's driver changes matter
Ferrari's decision to bring in Lewis Hamilton for 2025 represents one of the biggest driver moves in recent Formula 1 history. Hamilton is a seven-time world champion with 103 race wins, making him one of the most successful drivers in the sport. His move from Mercedes to Ferrari signals a major shift in the competitive landscape and suggests Ferrari believes it can build a championship-winning car.
The arrival of Hamilton also marks the end of Sainz's time at Ferrari. Sainz will move to Williams for the 2025 season, where he will be paired with rookie driver Alex Albon. This shuffle of top drivers across teams typically happens every few years and reshapes the competitive order for the following season.
How Ferrari selects its drivers
Ferrari's driver selection process involves the team's leadership, including the team principal and the head of driver development. The team looks for drivers who can deliver consistent results, work well with the engineering team, and represent the Ferrari brand. Ferrari has historically favored drivers with experience and proven track records, though the team has also promoted younger drivers through its academy program.
The choice to bring in Hamilton suggests Ferrari is prioritizing when ready championship contention over long-term development. Hamilton's experience winning titles with Mercedes and his proven ability to extract performance from a car were likely key factors in the decision. The move also reflects Ferrari's confidence that it can provide Hamilton with a competitive package.
The Ferrari F1 team structure
Ferrari operates as one of Formula 1's most independent teams, with its own engine development program and a large engineering staff. The team is based in Maranello, Italy, and has been family-owned for much of its history, though it is now part of the larger Exor holding company. The team principal oversees all racing operations, including driver management, strategy, and technical development.
Ferrari's organizational structure is different from some other teams because it maintains its own engine factory and does not rely on external suppliers for power units. This gives Ferrari more control over performance but also requires a larger budget and more internal informed. The team's driver lineup is one of the most visible parts of this organization, but it is supported by hundreds of engineers, mechanics, and support staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Charles Leclerc join Ferrari?
Charles Leclerc joined Ferrari in 2019 after two seasons with Sauber. He has been with the team for five seasons as of 2024 and is one of the longest-tenured drivers on the current grid.
Has Carlos Sainz won races for Ferrari?
Yes, Carlos Sainz has won multiple races for Ferrari, including victories at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix and the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. He has been a consistent race winner and points scorer during his time with the team.
Why is Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari?
Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari reflects the team's ambition to build a championship-winning car and Hamilton's desire for a new challenge after 12 seasons with Mercedes. The move is one of the biggest driver transfers in recent Formula 1 history.
What happens to Carlos Sainz after Ferrari?
Carlos Sainz will drive for Williams starting in the 2025 season, where he will partner with rookie driver Alex Albon. This move allows Sainz to continue his F1 career while Ferrari brings in Lewis Hamilton.
How many drivers does Ferrari have on its team?
Ferrari has two drivers on its F1 team, as do all other teams on the grid. The two-driver format has been standard in Formula 1 for decades, with one car assigned to each driver.