Carlos Sainz bid an emotional farewell to Ferrari on Tuesday, marking the tip of a four-year chapter with the legendary Scuderia.
The Spaniard joined Ferrari at the beginning of the 2021 season after two years at McLaren, teaming up with Charles Leclerc to kind a dynamic pairing. Collectively, they step by step elevated Ferrari’s competitiveness, culminating in a near-miss for the Constructors’ Championship this 12 months, shedding narrowly to Carlos Sainz’s former staff, McLaren.
Along with his departure set for the 2025 season, the Spaniard will make means for Lewis Hamilton. After spending a 12 months realizing his time at Ferrari was coming to an finish, the previous McLaren man is now gearing as much as race with Williams subsequent season. Regardless of Williams’ difficult 2024 marketing campaign, the pairing of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon is anticipated to turn out to be one of many strongest duos within the midfield. In recognition of his contributions, Ferrari honored Carlos Sainz with a novel farewell at their Fiorano take a look at observe, the place he was joined by his father, rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr.
A Sentimental Farewell at Fiorano
In what could possibly be his final time driving a Ferrari F1 automotive, Carlos Sainz participated in a non-public testing session on Tuesday. He drove a number of Ferrari fashions, whereas his father had the chance to take the wheel of the automotive by which Sainz Jr. achieved his first Grand Prix victory. The occasion was undoubtedly a heartfelt and memorable second for the Sainz household.
Such a gesture is uncommon for a departing driver, however Carlos Sainz Sr. is much from an peculiar mum or dad. The 62-year-old is a motorsport icon in his personal proper, having received the World Rally Championship twice and most just lately claiming victory within the Dakar Rally this 12 months with the Crimson Bull Desert Wings staff.
Although former F1 driver David Coulthard speculated that Carlos Sainz may in the future return to Ferrari, this farewell may signify the closing of a big chapter in his profession. Sainz mirrored on the day’s occasions via an Instagram submit, capturing the poignancy of his closing laps with Ferrari alongside his father: “Like son, like father!! Grazie @scuderiaferrari.”
The Crimson Bull Desert Wings account responded to Carlos Sainz, stating: “After Dakar, we’ll return the favour. See you quickly within the desert Carlos Jr.”
Carlos Sainz heads into the 2025 F1 season with Williams decided to make his mark
When the grid assembles for the season opener in Australia this March, few drivers may have as a lot to show as Carlos Sainz.
Regardless of his transfer to Williams, the staff’s give attention to long-term objectives below James Vowles’ management could imply that 2025 is handled as a transitional 12 months, with better emphasis positioned on getting ready for the main regulation adjustments set for 2026. For Sainz, nonetheless, this strategy may characterize a chance to construct a powerful basis for future success.
Sainz undoubtedly understands the challenges of bridging the hole between Williams and the likes of Ferrari or McLaren through the low season. But, the staff’s confirmed Mercedes energy items, coupled with McLaren’s instance of reaching a Constructors’ Championship as a buyer staff, present causes for cautious optimism.
On the similar time, a lot of the concentration is going to stay on Ferrari, the place Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation to life at F1’s most legendary staff might be carefully scrutinized. Ought to Hamilton discover himself struggling to maintain tempo with Charles Leclerc, it may solely serve to additional elevate Sainz’s standing within the paddock and amongst followers alike.
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