Ferrari unveils the SF-24 F1 challenger

Ferrari has taken the covers off its latest hope for returning the F1 World Championship to Maranello ahead of the new season.

The Scuderia was the only team to prevent Red Bull from taking a clean sweep last season, with Carlos Sainz securing victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, yet still could muster only third in the Constructors' championship behind Mercedes as early-season reliability cost Charles Leclerc and his Spanish teammate dearly.

Ferrari's inability to challenge Red Bull and Max Verstappen for the title meant the team's championship drought stretches back to the Constructors' triumph in 2008 but Team Principal Fred Vasseur will hope fortunes will turn after uncovering the latest car - the SF-24.

Keeping with Ferrari tradition, the main colour of the livery is red but this year features white and yellow stripes in its design.

“Presenting a new car to the world for the first time is always a very exciting moment for me and the drivers, even if we are all already thinking about the moment we will go head to head with our rivals on track,” said Team Principal Frederic Vasseur.

“This year, we must start off where we left off at the end of last season, when we were consistent front runners, with a view to constantly improving in all areas.

“The longest ever Formula 1 season awaits us and Charles, Carlos and I all agree, we must be more cinical and effective in how we manage the races, making bold choices, in order to get the best possible result at every Grand Prix.

“It’s often said that your fans can give you an extra gear and that will definitely be true in what will be a very closely contested championship and we are proud to know we can count on our “tifosi” from around the world.”

Leclerc, who enters his sixth season with the team, added: “I like the look of the car a lot, including the white and yellow parts on the bodywork. But of course, what really interests me is how it will perform on track, as that’s all that matters.

“The SF-24 ought to be less sensitive and easier to drive and for us drivers that’s what you need in order to do well. I expect the car to be a step forward in several areas and from the impression I formed in the simulator I think we’re where we want to be.

“This season the aim is to be front runners all the time and I want to give our fans plenty to cheer about, by dedicating race wins to them.”