Source – Autosports
After four seasons and two race victories this year, Sainz departs to make room for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Carlos Sainz bid a poignant farewell to Ferrari at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a weekend that was as emotional as it was bittersweet for the Spanish driver. Standing tall on the podium, finishing second to his former McLaren teammate Lando Norris, with current Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc in third, Sainz closed his chapter with the Scuderia in the most fitting manner possible—a reminder of the competitive spirit he has always brought to the team. But behind the champagne sprays and celebrations lay a man reflecting on an era that shaped his career, his emotions carefully tucked away beneath the helmet.
In the moments following the race, Sainz admitted that keeping his emotions in check had been a challenge. The gravity of the weekend—his last donning the red of Ferrari—weighed heavily on him. As he navigated the Yas Marina Circuit, he allowed himself to focus on the task at hand, pushing the car to its limit, delivering one last performance worthy of his legacy. But the emotional undertone, he confessed, crept in during quieter moments. Whether it was the solitude of the pre-race minutes, the concentration of the in-lap, or perhaps just fleeting thoughts mid-race, Sainz felt the profound significance of the moment.
Four years with Ferrari have seen Sainz evolve not only as a driver but as a competitor with an unwavering determination to leave his mark. Joining the team from McLaren with just two podium finishes to his name, he departs as a four-time race winner, with two of those victories coming this season. His tally of 27 podiums is a testament to his growth and consistency, even during challenging periods. Reflecting on his tenure, Sainz spoke of the camaraderie and passion he experienced at Ferrari, cherishing the moments that defined his time with the iconic team.
This departure, however, is not the end of Sainz’s racing story but the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton stepping into the Ferrari fold, Sainz has opted to take on a challenge of a different kind. Testing with Williams just days after the season finale, the Spaniard is already preparing for what lies ahead. Williams, a team steeped in history but in need of revival, offers Sainz a unique opportunity to channel his experience and drive into helping rebuild a contender.
Sainz acknowledged the transition would require patience and adaptation. He is acutely aware that the machinery he steps into may not yet match the precision of Ferrari’s, but he is motivated by the possibilities. During his final laps in the Ferrari, Sainz allowed himself to savor the feel of the car, noting its nuances and strengths, with an eye toward the challenges he might face in his new venture. His mind was already preparing for the road ahead, dissecting what made his Ferrari competitive and thinking of ways to bring similar strengths to his future car.
The finality of the weekend was not lost on Sainz as he jumped out of the Ferrari for the last time. His connection to the team, its people, and the car itself has been profound. It was a mix of gratitude, pride, and a hint of sorrow that filled his post-race reflections. He expressed his resolve to take the lessons he learned at Ferrari and apply them to help Williams recapture its former glory. He sees himself as a driver who has proven his mettle, someone capable of fighting for victories and podiums when given the right tools. Now, he is ready to embark on a journey of resurgence, knowing it will demand everything he has to give.
As the curtain falls on his Ferrari career, Carlos Sainz leaves behind not just memories but a legacy of perseverance and performance. For the Spaniard, the red car will always hold a special place in his heart, but his gaze is firmly set on the challenges ahead. Sainz is a driver on a mission, and his story is far from over.
