Leclerc Disappointed as Ferrari Falls Short in Constructors’ Title Battle.
Charles Leclerc expressed deep frustration and disappointment after Ferrari narrowly missed out on the 2024 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship in Abu Dhabi. Despite a spectacular podium finish, Ferrari fell 14 points short of McLaren, who claimed the title. The Monegasque driver admitted the loss stung, as Ferrari narrowly misses out on F1 Constructors’ title despite Leclerc’s podium, making it a bittersweet season finale.
Ferrari narrowly misses out on F1 Constructors’ title despite Leclerc’s podium
Heading into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari faced a daunting 21-point deficit to McLaren in the constructors’ standings. Adding to the challenge, McLaren locked out the front row, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri starting 1-2. Leclerc, starting 19th due to a 10-place grid penalty, had the odds stacked against him.
Leclerc’s performance was nothing short of heroic. In a stunning opening lap, he gained 11 positions, climbing to eighth place. Over the 58-lap race, Leclerc continued his charge, but McLaren’s dominance proved too much. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz secured second place, contributing to Ferrari’s 33-point haul for the day. However, it was not enough, and Charles Leclerc is ‘hurt’ as Ferrari falls short of the F1 Constructors’ title once again.
Leclerc Reflects on the Missed Opportunity
After the race, Leclerc candidly expressed his feelings:
“I knew on Lap 1, I had to take all the risks to make up ground. We achieved a lot, but starting so far back limited us. I think we did the maximum.”
Leclerc’s disappointment was clear as he reflected on the tight season finale:
“It hurts. When the battle goes down to the wire like this, it’s tough. Friday’s penalty set us back, and although we gave it everything, it just wasn’t enough. It’s frustrating, but we’ll come back stronger.”
The sting of falling short was evident, and Leclerc acknowledged that Ferrari narrowly misses out on F1 Constructors’ title despite Leclerc’s podium was a tough pill to swallow.

A Bittersweet Farewell to Sainz
The Abu Dhabi race marked the end of a four-year partnership between Leclerc and Sainz, with Sainz set to join Williams in 2025. Together, they delivered Ferrari’s most successful season, amassing 652 points and five race wins.
Reflecting on their time as teammates, Leclerc shared:
“We’ve had a fantastic relationship, pushing each other to be better. I hoped we could finish our journey together with a constructors’ title. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be.”
Carlos Sainz echoed similar sentiments, praising Ferrari’s efforts while recognizing McLaren’s late-season dominance.
“P2 was the best I could do today. McLaren was just too strong, especially on the hard tires,” Sainz said. “Congratulations to McLaren. They’ve been incredibly consistent in the latter part of the season. I hope Ferrari will fight at the top again soon.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
For Leclerc, the heartbreak in Abu Dhabi fuels his determination for 2025. With a new teammate joining Ferrari, the team is committed to returning to championship contention.
“I’ll take a few days to reset and start focusing on next year,” Leclerc said. “We’ve made progress, and I believe we can build on this season to come back stronger.”
The sentiment remains that Charles Leclerc is ‘hurt’ as Ferrari falls short of the F1 Constructors’ title, but his resolve and Ferrari’s resilience leave fans hopeful for a brighter future.
Conclusion: A Season of Highs and Lows
Ferrari’s near-miss in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship underscores their potential and struggles. Despite incredible performances from Leclerc, including a podium finish in Abu Dhabi, the team couldn’t close the gap. As Ferrari narrowly misses out on F1 Constructors’ title despite Leclerc’s podium, the focus shifts to 2025, with hopes of leveraging the lessons learned for a stronger campaign.
The 2024 season may have ended in disappointment, but Leclerc’s determination to bring Ferrari back to the top is undeniable. Fans and the team alike eagerly anticipate a comeback in the coming year.