Carlos Sainz has formally departed Ferrari to hitch Williams as their new driver. Together with his contract at Ferrari expiring on the finish of the yr, Carlos Sainz’s transition to Williams has now commenced in earnest.
The affirmation got here as Sainz up to date his social media bios, signaling the top of his time with the Scuderia. He already made his first look for Williams through the post-season take a look at in Abu Dhabi, having obtained clearance from Ferrari to take part. On the take a look at, Carlos Sainz donned plain white overalls as a result of sponsorship conflicts, however he’ll formally go well with up in Williams colours for the F175 launch occasion in February. The staff has prolonged a heat welcome to their newest recruit.
Regardless of the outward cordiality, there’s an undercurrent of disappointment surrounding Carlos Sainz’s departure. Having achieved 4 Grand Prix victories and constantly holding his personal towards Charles Leclerc, extensively thought to be one of the vital proficient drivers on the grid, Carlos Sainz finds himself out of the Maranello staff’s plans for the subsequent years.
What stings extra is that the Spanish driver couldn’t safe a seat with one other high staff. His father has publicly expressed frustration, questioning why Mercedes opted for rookie Kimi Antonelli over an skilled and confirmed driver like his son.
In the end, Carlos Sainz’s predominant impediment was not being Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari’s determination to switch him with the seven-time world champion underscores their dedication to finish their long-standing title drought. Whereas the cut up seems amicable on the floor, it might profoundly form Carlos Sainz’s motorsport trajectory.
Damon Hill Amazed by Ferrari’s Farewell Gesture for Sainz
Ferrari ensured that Sainz’s send-off was removed from lackluster. Past the customary farewells in Abu Dhabi, the staff went above and past to honor their departing driver.
In a heartfelt gesture, Ferrari invited the Spaniard and his father to their iconic Fiorano take a look at observe. There, each got the chance to drive Ferrari F1 equipment, with Charles Leclerc additionally current to share within the second. The spotlight, nonetheless, was Ferrari’s determination to reward Carlos Sainz their 2022 F1-75 automotive. This machine holds particular significance for Sainz, because it was the automotive through which he achieved his maiden Grand Prix victory at Silverstone in 2022.
The Instagram account @formulation.room shared the information, prompting 1996 world champion Damon Hill to react with a single phrase: “Wow.” The gesture stands as a testomony to the mutual respect between Carlos Sainz and Ferrari, regardless of the choice to half methods.
Carlos Sainz’s Stellar 2024 Efficiency in Australia
Whereas Ferrari’s focus has shifted to Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz’s resilience and dedication stay plain. His drive to victory in Australia through the 2024 season stands out as one of many yr’s best performances. Jolyon Palmer even ranked it above Max Verstappen’s unbelievable Seventeenth-to-1st comeback in Brazil.
What made the Spaniard’s achievement so exceptional was the context: simply two weeks earlier, he had undergone an appendectomy. Overcoming such a problem to triumph underlines his distinctive spirit and dedication.
Charles Leclerc’s Tribute to Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz’s relationship along with his Maranello teammate was certainly one of mutual respect and intense competitors. The Monegasque driver himself has acknowledged that their partnership pushed him to raise his recreation. Whereas occasional tensions arose, they had been dealt with professionally, with Charles Leclerc even privately apologizing when he crossed a line.
As Carlos Sainz strikes on to Williams for the 2025 Formulation 1 marketing campaign and Ferrari locations its hopes in Lewis Hamilton, the Maranello staff’s determination displays their desperation to interrupt their championship drought, having final gained the drivers’ title in 2007 and the constructors’ in 2008. Whether or not Carlos Sainz can carve a brand new path to success at Williams stays to be seen, however his expertise and dedication are past query.