arrived as a big gamble, leaves as a certainty

December 9, 2024

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Among the many many hugs, the strongest got here from his father, Carlos. Sainz’s farewell to Ferrari is a high-profile one, very completely different from Kimi Raikkonen’s departure in 2019 or Sebastian Vettel’s a yr later. In each circumstances, 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 really perfect world, Ferrari would discipline three automobiles subsequent season, the one solution to reconcile the legitimate causes for signing Lewis Hamilton with what the observe has demonstrated about Sainz’s worth.

However there are solely two automobiles, 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 prime workforce. Probably the most jarring side of Carlos Sainz’s 2024 isn’t a lot his separation from Ferrari, in the end justified by the caliber of his substitute, however somewhat the “no, thanks” responses from Pink Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin. These groups most popular two younger drivers (Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli) and an over-40, Fernando Alonso, who just lately signed a two-year extension, holding him in F1 till age 45. This state of affairs pressured Carlos Sainz to hitch Williams, at the 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 crimson to himself, efficiently concealing them—or so it appeared. “Did I get emotional? Possibly, however you gained’t know. Maybe whereas I used to be below the helmet, maybe within the minutes earlier than the beginning, or maybe on the cooldown lap after the checkered flag. You’ll most likely by no means know, however I can let you know… sure, there was a second after I obtained emotional, however I’m holding it for myself and my workforce.”

“Possibly I’m performing just a little,” Carlos continued with a smile, “I might need discovered it from Brad Pitt this weekend! However truthfully, I can say that so long as there’s work to be performed, the mind doesn’t mean you can be emotional; competitiveness takes over. Nevertheless, there have been moments right this moment after I felt emotional, and happily, you couldn’t see it.”

After the race, throughout his ultimate press convention in a Ferrari go well with, 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 consider I’ve helped deliver this workforce again to the place it belongs—combating for world championships. Sadly, we didn’t handle it this yr, however I really feel Ferrari is prepared and shall 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 straightforward to maintain the motivation and dedication wanted to all the time push to the utmost. We’ve seen that it’s not straightforward for any driver in my state of affairs to take care of a superb 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 might take a very long time to come back, however he has accounted for this chance. “I actually can’t know what the longer term holds for me, nor can I predict how lengthy it’ll take Williams to combat for a podium place. What I can affirm is that I’m extra decided than ever to deliver Williams again to the place it belongs. However right this moment, it’s unattainable to understand how lengthy it’ll take. I do know one among my strengths helps a workforce obtain higher performances and understanding which instructions to observe.”

In his ultimate press convention in crimson overalls, Carlos was joined by Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, two former teammates. After they had been requested if they’d miss Carlos Sainz’s presence within the combat for prime positions subsequent yr, a humorous change unfolded. “Sure, I’ll miss Carlos,” Lando Norris remarked, solely to be interrupted by Carlos Sainz: “I don’t assume you’ll miss me; inform the reality, you assume it’s higher this fashion.”

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 grew to become severe once more: “I do know Carlos properly. After I began racing in Components 1, he was my teammate, and I do know his price. However he’ll be again. Williams is rising, he’ll deliver quite a lot of expertise, and he’ll add one thing vital. You’ll see, he’ll be again with us before you assume.”