Among the many many hugs, the strongest got here from his father, Carlos. Sainz’s farewell to Ferrari is a high-profile one, very completely different from Kimi Raikkonen’s departure in 2019 or Sebastian Vettel’s a 12 months later. In each instances, the story was successfully over, because the stopwatch and even the drivers’ motivations revealed. In Sainz’s case, there’s no signal of decline; his story is one which has merely been interrupted. In a great world, Ferrari would discipline three vehicles subsequent season, the one technique to reconcile the legitimate causes for signing Lewis Hamilton with what the observe has demonstrated about Sainz’s worth.
However there are solely two vehicles, leaving a bitter aftertaste. In 2021, Carlos arrived in Maranello with two podiums and plenty of query marks; 4 years later, he leaves as a stable skilled with all the pieces wanted to safe a spot in a high staff. Essentially the most jarring facet of Carlos Sainz’s 2024 isn’t a lot his separation from Ferrari, in the end justified by the caliber of his alternative, however slightly the “no, thanks” responses from Crimson Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin. These groups most popular two younger drivers (Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli) and an over-40, Fernando Alonso, who lately signed a two-year extension, conserving him in F1 till age 45. This state of affairs pressured Carlos Sainz to affix Williams, no less than briefly stepping out of the circle of drivers competing for podiums.
On Sunday at Yas Marina, Carlos saved his feelings about his final day in crimson to himself, efficiently concealing them—or so it appeared. “Did I get emotional? Possibly, however you gained’t know. Maybe whereas I used to be underneath the helmet, maybe within the minutes earlier than the beginning, or maybe on the cooldown lap after the checkered flag. You’ll in all probability by no means know, however I can inform you… sure, there was a second after I acquired emotional, however I’m conserving it for myself and my staff.”
“Possibly I’m appearing a bit of,” Carlos continued with a smile, “I might need realized it from Brad Pitt this weekend! However actually, I can say that so long as there’s work to be accomplished, the mind doesn’t permit you to be emotional; competitiveness takes over. Nevertheless, there have been moments right now after I felt emotional, and thankfully, you couldn’t see it.”
After the race, throughout his ultimate press convention in a Ferrari go well with, Sainz managed his feelings completely, reflecting on his time at Maranello. “I really feel very happy with my interval at Ferrari. Over 4 years, I imagine I’ve helped carry this staff again to the place it belongs—preventing for world championships. Sadly, we didn’t handle it this 12 months, however I really feel Ferrari is prepared and will likely be one of many favorites initially of the 2025 season.”
“I’m happy with what I’ve achieved over 4 seasons, however particularly of this final championship. It was mentally very powerful for me; it wasn’t straightforward to maintain the motivation and willpower wanted to at all times push to the utmost. We’ve seen that it’s not straightforward for any driver in my scenario to take care of a superb stage of focus all year long, however I managed to do it.”
Because it ought to have been, Carlos Sainz concluded his ultimate Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver by stepping onto the rostrum. Carlos is conscious that his subsequent trophy may take a very long time to return, however he has accounted for this chance. “I definitely can’t know what the long run holds for me, nor can I predict how lengthy it should take Williams to struggle for a podium place. What I can affirm is that I’m extra decided than ever to carry Williams again to the place it belongs. However right now, it’s inconceivable to know the way lengthy it should take. I do know one among my strengths helps a staff obtain higher performances and understanding which instructions to comply with.”
In his ultimate press convention in crimson overalls, Carlos was joined by Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, two former teammates. After they have been requested if they’d miss Carlos Sainz’s presence within the struggle for high positions subsequent 12 months, a humorous trade unfolded. “Sure, I’ll miss Carlos,” Lando Norris remarked, solely to be interrupted by Carlos Sainz: “I don’t suppose you’ll miss me; inform the reality, you suppose it’s higher this manner.”
In the long run, Lando admitted with a smile: “Properly, it’s one much less formidable and quick opponent; it’s higher that he’s not in a quick car!” Then Norris turned severe once more: “I do know Carlos properly. After I began racing in Formulation 1, he was my teammate, and I do know his price. However he’ll be again. Williams is rising, he’ll carry loads of expertise, and he’ll add one thing necessary. You’ll see, he’ll be again with us ahead of you suppose.”
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