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 initially of the 2021 season after two years at McLaren, teaming up with Charles Leclerc to kind a dynamic pairing. Collectively, they steadily elevated Ferrari’s competitiveness, culminating in a near-miss for the Constructors’ Championship this yr, shedding narrowly to Carlos Sainz’s former crew, McLaren.
Together with his departure set for the 2025 season, the Spaniard will make method for Lewis Hamilton. After spending a yr 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 into 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 monitor, 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 automobile, 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 automobile through 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 way from an unusual dad or mum. The 62-year-old is a motorsport icon in his personal proper, having received the World Rally Championship twice and most lately claiming victory within the Dakar Rally this yr with the Crimson Bull Desert Wings crew.
Although former F1 driver David Coulthard speculated that Carlos Sainz may someday return to Ferrari, this farewell may signify the closing of a big chapter in his profession. Sainz mirrored on the day’s occasions by way of an Instagram put up, capturing the poignancy of his last 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 can have as a lot to show as Carlos Sainz.
Regardless of his transfer to Williams, the crew’s concentrate on long-term targets below James Vowles’ management could imply that 2025 is handled as a transitional yr, with better emphasis positioned on making ready for the most important regulation adjustments set for 2026. For Sainz, nonetheless, this strategy may characterize a possibility to construct a robust 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 crew’s confirmed Mercedes energy items, coupled with McLaren’s instance of attaining a Constructors’ Championship as a buyer crew, present causes for cautious optimism.
On the similar time, a lot of the focus will stay on Ferrari, the place Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation to life at F1’s most legendary crew 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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