Among the many many hugs, the strongest got here from his father, Carlos. Sainz’s farewell to Ferrari is a high-profile one, very totally different from Kimi Raikkonen’s departure in 2019 or Sebastian Vettel’s a 12 months later. In each instances, the story was successfully over, because the stopwatch and even the drivers’ motivations revealed. In Sainz’s case, there’s no signal of decline; his story is one which has merely been interrupted. In a super world, Ferrari would subject three vehicles subsequent season, the one technique to reconcile the legitimate causes for signing Lewis Hamilton with what the observe has demonstrated about Sainz’s worth.
However there are solely two vehicles, leaving a bitter aftertaste. In 2021, Carlos arrived in Maranello with two podiums and lots of query marks; 4 years later, he leaves as a stable skilled with every thing wanted to safe a spot in a high group. Essentially the most jarring facet of Carlos Sainz’s 2024 isn’t a lot his separation from Ferrari, finally justified by the caliber of his alternative, however slightly the “no, thanks” responses from Pink Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin. These groups most well-liked two younger drivers (Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli) and an over-40, Fernando Alonso, who just lately signed a two-year extension, preserving him in F1 till age 45. This state of affairs compelled Carlos Sainz to hitch Williams, at the very least briefly stepping out of the circle of drivers competing for podiums.
On Sunday at Yas Marina, Carlos saved his feelings about his final day in purple to himself, efficiently concealing them—or so it appeared. “Did I get emotional? Perhaps, however you gained’t know. Maybe whereas I used to be underneath the helmet, maybe within the minutes earlier than the beginning, or maybe on the cooldown lap after the checkered flag. You’ll in all probability by no means know, however I can inform you… sure, there was a second once I obtained emotional, however I’m preserving it for myself and my group.”
“Perhaps I’m performing a little bit,” Carlos continued with a smile, “I may need realized it from Brad Pitt this weekend! However truthfully, I can say that so long as there’s work to be completed, the mind doesn’t assist you to be emotional; competitiveness takes over. Nevertheless, there have been moments at the moment once I felt emotional, and happily, you couldn’t see it.”
After the race, throughout his ultimate press convention in a Ferrari swimsuit, Sainz managed his feelings completely, reflecting on his time at Maranello. “I really feel very happy with my interval at Ferrari. Over 4 years, I imagine I’ve helped carry this group again to the place it belongs—preventing for world championships. Sadly, we didn’t handle it this 12 months, however I really feel Ferrari is prepared and can be one of many favorites at the beginning of the 2025 season.”
“I’m happy with what I’ve achieved over 4 seasons, however particularly of this final championship. It was mentally very powerful for me; it wasn’t simple to maintain the motivation and willpower wanted to at all times push to the utmost. We’ve seen that it’s not simple for any driver in my state of affairs to take care of degree of focus all year long, however I managed to do it.”
Because it ought to have been, Carlos Sainz concluded his ultimate Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver by stepping onto the rostrum. Carlos is conscious that his subsequent trophy may take a very long time to come back, however he has accounted for this chance. “I actually can’t know what the long run holds for me, nor can I predict how lengthy it can take Williams to combat for a podium place. What I can verify is that I’m extra decided than ever to carry Williams again to the place it belongs. However at the moment, it’s not possible to know the way lengthy it can take. I do know considered one of my strengths helps a group obtain higher performances and understanding which instructions to observe.”
In his ultimate press convention in purple overalls, Carlos was joined by Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, two former teammates. After they have been requested if they might miss Carlos Sainz’s presence within the combat for high positions subsequent 12 months, a humorous trade unfolded. “Sure, I’ll miss Carlos,” Lando Norris remarked, solely to be interrupted by Carlos Sainz: “I don’t suppose you’ll miss me; inform the reality, you suppose it’s higher this manner.”
In the long run, Lando admitted with a smile: “Properly, it’s one much less formidable and quick opponent; it’s higher that he’s not in a quick car!” Then Norris turned severe once more: “I do know Carlos properly. Once I began racing in Method 1, he was my teammate, and I do know his price. However he’ll be again. Williams is rising, he’ll carry a variety of expertise, and he’ll add one thing essential. You’ll see, he’ll be again with us earlier than you suppose.”
— see video above —
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers find out about us
