Carlos Sainz leaves Ferrari on the finish of the 2024 season as a race winner and a key determine in restoring the staff to its rightful place on the high of Formulation 1. When he first joined Ferrari in 2021, the staff was struggling within the midfield, failing to safe a single victory. Quick ahead to 2024, and Carlos Sainz has not solely delivered a number of race wins however has additionally been integral in pushing the staff nearer to championship competition. His efforts, alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, led Ferrari to a heartbreaking second-place end within the Constructors’ Championship, falling quick by simply 14 factors to McLaren.
Ferrari’s stronger place now’s a direct results of Carlos Sainz’s exhausting work, marking him as a pivotal determine in rejuvenating the staff. His success at Ferrari is the most recent chapter in a profession the place he has persistently helped elevate groups to the entrance of the grid, making it the second top-tier staff he’s performed a serious position in restoring to prominence.
This is without doubt one of the the reason why Lando Norris confidently advised Williams that Carlos Sainz’s arrival in 2025 would rework them right into a high staff. Over the previous 5 years, Carlos Sainz has performed a vital half within the rise of the game’s quickest groups, displaying his potential to construct and lead aggressive squads.
In 2025, Lewis Hamilton will exchange the Spanish driver on the Maranello staff, becoming a member of from Mercedes in a transfer that shocked many, as some query whether or not the seven-time world champion’s finest years are behind him. Nonetheless, Carlos Sainz’s departure marks the tip of a chapter that has seen him deliver Ferrari again to prominence.
Carlos Sainz’s journey in 2024 included a serious problem forward of the Australian Grand Prix, when doubts clouded his confidence following a troublesome interval. Simply weeks after it was confirmed that Hamilton would take his seat for 2025, the Spanish driver confronted a well being setback throughout the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Spaniard fell sick, present process surgical procedure to take away his appendix, which left him sidelined and changed by rising star Oliver Bearman. The Ferrari junior made historical past by turning into the youngest point-scorer in Ferrari’s historical past throughout Carlos Sainz’s absence.
Regardless of nonetheless recovering from surgical procedure, Carlos Sainz made a outstanding comeback in Australia, going through not simply bodily discomfort but additionally the overwhelming dominance of Crimson Bull, who had been profitable with ease. Nonetheless, the Spaniard defied the percentages and clinched a shocking victory after Max Verstappen’s early retirement. Reflecting on the win, Carlos Sainz described the second as notably particular, contemplating the difficult circumstances he had confronted. It was a testomony to his resilience and willpower, marking a major spotlight in his Ferrari profession.
“I feel what makes the Australian Grand Prix win particular, is with what occurred the 2 weeks earlier than you recognize, coming from the appendix surgical procedure, the unknown of whether or not I used to be going to race,” – the brand new Williams driver identified – “Immediately going from these full doubts to profitable the race in the best way I received it, was an unimaginable win.” – he continued.
How quickly will Carlos Sainz discover himself again on an F1 podium?
Carlos Sainz is now set to hitch a Williams staff that has solely seen the rostrum as soon as up to now seven seasons, because of a lucky end result throughout the stormy 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, the place George Russell took benefit of the circumstances. To place it plainly, the staff wants near-miraculous circumstances to duplicate that achievement, and it could be a while earlier than Sainz, along with his 4 race wins to his title, will get near the rostrum once more.
The Grove-based squad has made it clear that their main focus is on the 2026 F1 laws, with plans to fully revamp their method and start a brand new period of competitiveness. Beneath the management of staff principal James Vowles, Williams has been working diligently to reinforce its infrastructure, making vital investments with the aim of turning into a severe contender as soon as extra. This transformation is crucial for them to compete on the highest ranges once more.
Within the meantime, the Spaniard will staff up with Alex Albon, forming probably the most skilled and well-rounded line-ups on the grid. With a mixed whole of over 300 races below their belts, the duo brings a wealth of expertise to the staff.
Given these developments and Williams’ long-term plans, there isn’t a purpose why Sainz can’t be again on the rostrum by 2026, assuming the staff’s technique pays off and so they can proceed their progress in direction of regaining competitiveness. The longer term may maintain thrilling prospects for the Spaniard as Williams strives to return to the entrance of the grid.