Source – Formula1.com
As they continue to work on their automobile, Alpine’s Executive Technical Director David Sanchez has described in detail how the team hopes to be in a “competitive position” in 2025 and beyond.
As Carlos Sainz approaches the final races of his tenure with Scuderia Ferrari, it’s clear that his time with the team has been marked by significant achievements and moments of brilliance. Since joining Ferrari in 2021, Sainz has established himself as a formidable force, notching up five pole positions and three Grand Prix victories, including a standout win at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this year. However, the Spaniard’s journey with the Maranello outfit is nearing its end, with Lewis Hamilton confirmed as his successor alongside Charles Leclerc from next season.
At the recent Monza Grand Prix, which was Sainz’s last race as a Ferrari driver on Italian soil, Team Principal Fred Vasseur took a moment to reflect on the impact Sainz has made during his time with the team. Vasseur expressed profound respect and appreciation for Sainz’s contributions, particularly over the past two years under his leadership. “I have huge respect for Carlos, for what he did for the team in the last years, but mainly the last two years with me as team boss,” Vasseur commented.
Vasseur highlighted Sainz’s crucial role in Ferrari’s recovery during a challenging season. “I can perfectly see what he did last year, mainly when we had trouble,” Vasseur noted. “He was able to push the team to come back with the pole in Monza, to win in Singapore. This pushed a little bit probably also Charles to react, and he did many first rows on the grid in a row.” Sainz’s determination and skill have been instrumental in Ferrari’s resurgence, proving his worth as a key driver for the team.
This season, despite facing a tough start, Sainz has continued to perform admirably, demonstrating his professionalism and commitment. Vasseur praised Sainz’s attitude and work ethic, acknowledging the difficulties at the beginning of the season but noting that Sainz has remained “mega professional.” The team principal emphasized that they had agreed to give their all until the very end of the season, a commitment Sainz has fulfilled with distinction.
Looking to the future, Vasseur expressed a desire to work with Sainz again, should the opportunity arise. “I would ‘for sure’ like to work with Carlos again in the future,” Vasseur said, reflecting on the decision to replace Sainz with Hamilton. He admitted that the choice was a challenging one but reiterated his positive feelings towards Sainz. “I’m more than pleased to have Carlos in the team, and I will keep a very good relationship with him,” he added.
As Sainz prepares to close this chapter of his career with Ferrari, his legacy with the team will undoubtedly be remembered for the professionalism, skill, and passion he brought to the Scuderia. His contributions have left a lasting impression, and while the upcoming season will see a new era for Ferrari with Hamilton joining, the respect and admiration for Sainz’s tenure remain strong.
