Formula 1 entered a groundbreaking era in 2014, marked by the introduction of the complex and technologically advanced 1.6-liter V6 Turbo Hybrid power units. This regulation change not only redefined engine technology in motorsport but also presented significant challenges and opportunities for teams across the grid, most notably for Scuderia Ferrari. The 2014 season became a pivotal year, setting the stage for Ferrari’s journey through this hybrid age, a period characterized by fluctuating fortunes, persistent development, and the relentless pursuit of championship glory.
2014: The Hybrid Revolution Begins for Ferrari
The pre-season testing for the 2014 season offered a stark preview of the competitive landscape to come. Mercedes emerged as the clear frontrunner, demonstrating superior performance and reliability right from the outset. Their seamless integration of the new hybrid power unit into their chassis design set an early benchmark. In contrast, Ferrari, along with engine partner Renault, found themselves trailing in terms of outright pace. The Italian team approached the season with a pragmatic outlook, recognizing 2014 as a year of intense learning and development with the novel hybrid technology. The focus was on understanding the intricacies of the new power unit and laying a foundation for future competitiveness.
Fernando Alonso driving the 2014 Ferrari F14-T during a Formula One race
Fernando Alonso navigating a corner in the 2014 Ferrari F14-T during a Formula One event.
Despite Mercedes’ dominant performance throughout 2014, culminating in Lewis Hamilton’s second world championship title, Ferrari displayed resilience and flashes of potential. Fernando Alonso, in his final season with the team, secured two podium finishes in China and Hungary. The Hungarian Grand Prix saw Alonso come close to victory, narrowly missing out to Daniel Ricciardo in a thrilling race. However, the season was also marred by reliability issues, a common theme across the grid as teams grappled with the complexities of the new hybrid systems. Ferrari’s F14-T suffered agonizing retirements at Monza and Suzuka, and Kimi Räikkönen endured a significant crash on the first lap of the British Grand Prix.
Performance-wise, the F14-T proved capable enough to challenge a resurgent Williams team for third place in the Constructors’ Championship. The battle extended to the final race in Abu Dhabi, where Williams ultimately clinched the position after a double podium finish. Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa almost stole a victory from Hamilton in the closing stages of that race, adding another layer of drama to the season finale. For Ferrari, the 2014 season was a tough initiation into the hybrid era, but it instilled a determination to learn from the challenges and improve for the seasons ahead.
2015 – 2018: Vettel Era and Hybrid Development
The 2015 season marked a significant shift for Ferrari. With Fernando Alonso departing for McLaren and Maurizio Arrivabene taking over as team principal, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel joined the Scuderia. Vettel, who had enjoyed immense success with Red Bull during the V8 engine era, brought a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to Ferrari. The arrival of Vettel coincided with the introduction of the SF15-T, a car that demonstrated substantial improvements over its predecessor. Vettel secured three victories in Malaysia, Hungary, and Singapore, and Ferrari finished second in the Constructors’ Championship. This resurgence signaled the beginning of a promising period for Ferrari, indicating that their hybrid development was starting to bear fruit.
Sebastian Vettel driving the 2015 Ferrari SF15-T during a Formula One race weekend
Sebastian Vettel piloting the 2015 Ferrari SF15-T on track during a Formula One event.
However, the 2016 season proved to be a step back. Despite Vettel achieving close finishes in Melbourne and Canada, Ferrari did not secure any victories. The SF16-H, while representing further development, lacked the outright pace to consistently challenge Mercedes and a resurgent Red Bull.
Kimi Räikkönen driving the 2016 Ferrari SF16-H during a Formula One practice session
Kimi Räikkönen in action behind the wheel of the 2016 Ferrari SF16-H during a Formula One practice.
The introduction of new aerodynamic regulations in 2017 brought another opportunity for teams to reshape their competitive order. Ferrari responded strongly with the SF70H, a car that allowed Vettel to mount a serious title challenge against Lewis Hamilton. Vettel secured five wins and 11 podiums throughout the year. However, crucial incidents, including a crash at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix and a spark plug failure at the Japanese Grand Prix, derailed Vettel’s championship bid despite a late-season victory in Brazil.
Sebastian Vettel racing in the 2017 Ferrari SF70H during a Formula One Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel competing in the 2017 Ferrari SF70H during a Formula One Grand Prix event.
Entering the 2018 season, Ferrari harbored concerns about potentially lagging behind Mercedes. However, Vettel quickly dispelled these doubts by winning the opening two races in Melbourne and Bahrain. In total, he achieved six wins and 12 podiums throughout the season. Yet, a critical error – a crash at the German Grand Prix while leading – significantly hampered Vettel’s pursuit of his first title in red, as he once again conceded the championship to Hamilton and Mercedes.
Sebastian Vettel driving the 2018 Ferrari SF71H during a Formula One race
Sebastian Vettel maneuvering the 2018 Ferrari SF71H on track during a Formula One race.
Despite the championship disappointment, Ferrari concluded the 2018 season on a positive note. Fan favorite Kimi Räikkönen secured his first victory in over five years with the team at the United States Grand Prix, providing a celebratory moment and a testament to the team’s ongoing development efforts in the hybrid era.
2019 – 2020: Leclerc’s Arrival and Further Hybrid Challenges
The 2019 season saw Ferrari introduce the SF90, a car that, despite suffering from downforce deficiencies, still allowed the team to compete at the front of the grid. Vettel experienced a controversial moment in Montreal, losing a likely victory due to a five-second penalty for re-joining the track in an unsafe manner. However, he achieved redemption in Singapore, securing his only win of the season on the Marina Bay street circuit.
Charles Leclerc driving the 2019 Ferrari SF90 during a Formula One session
Charles Leclerc in action driving the 2019 Ferrari SF90 during a Formula One session.
The year also marked the arrival of Charles Leclerc, a highly-rated young talent, to Ferrari. Leclerc quickly justified the team’s faith in him, out-qualifying Vettel and demonstrating exceptional pace. An impressive seven of Ferrari’s nine pole positions in 2019 were claimed by Leclerc. His maiden Formula 1 victory came at the Belgian Grand Prix, a poignant win in the aftermath of the tragic loss of Anthoine Hubert in the previous day’s Formula 2 race. Leclerc further cemented his status within the team by winning Ferrari’s home race at Monza, a historic victory celebrated passionately by the Tifosi.
Charles Leclerc driving the 2020 Ferrari SF1000 during a Formula One practice session
Charles Leclerc piloting the 2020 Ferrari SF1000 during a Formula One practice.
Unfortunately, the 2020 season proved to be a year to forget for Ferrari. The SF1000 suffered from significant shortcomings in both top speed and downforce. This performance deficit resulted in Ferrari’s first winless season since 2016. The combined efforts of Vettel and Leclerc yielded only three podium finishes, leading to a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship standings – a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 and the ongoing challenges of hybrid engine development.
Looking Ahead: Ferrari’s Hybrid Future
As Vettel departed Ferrari at the end of 2020 to join Aston Martin, McLaren’s Carlos Sainz was recruited to partner Leclerc for the 2021 season. Sainz, known for his consistent performances and racing acumen, brought fresh energy and talent to the team. Ferrari looked forward to 2021 with optimism, anticipating a significantly updated engine and a revised chassis, albeit carrying over elements from the 2020 chassis due to homologation rules.
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc posing as Ferrari Formula One drivers for the 2021 season
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc presented as the Ferrari Formula One driver lineup for the 2021 season.
Ferrari pinned hopes on their new car for 2021, named the SF21, and also began to focus on the future, initiating work on a radical new engine design for the forthcoming 2022 regulation changes. This ambitious project was entrusted to Wolf Zimmermann, who commenced the conceptual phase of the new power unit. Throughout the hybrid era, Scuderia Ferrari has experienced both setbacks and moments of brilliance. If history is any guide, Ferrari’s unwavering spirit and commitment to innovation suggest that the team remains capable of resurgence, poised to roar back into contention and fight for championships in the ever-evolving landscape of Formula 1.
Written by Cóilín Higgins.
