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 type a dynamic pairing. Collectively, they steadily elevated Ferrari’s competitiveness, culminating in a near-miss for the Constructors’ Championship this 12 months, dropping narrowly to Carlos Sainz’s former staff, McLaren.
Together with his departure set for the 2025 season, the Spaniard will make approach for Lewis Hamilton. After spending a 12 months figuring out 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 singular 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 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 during 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 atypical dad or mum. The 62-year-old is a motorsport icon in his personal proper, having received the World Rally Championship twice and most not too long ago 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 sooner or later return to Ferrari, this farewell may signify the closing of a big chapter in his profession. Sainz mirrored on the day’s occasions by means of an Instagram put up, 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 concentrate on long-term targets underneath James Vowles’ management could imply that 2025 is handled as a transitional 12 months, with larger emphasis positioned on getting ready for the key regulation adjustments set for 2026. For Sainz, nonetheless, this strategy may signify 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 in the course of the low season. But, the staff’s confirmed Mercedes energy models, coupled with McLaren’s instance of attaining 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 shall be intently 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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