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 yr 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 perfect world, Ferrari would area three vehicles subsequent season, the one strategy 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 strong skilled with all the pieces wanted to safe a spot in a high group. Essentially the most jarring side of Carlos Sainz’s 2024 isn’t a lot his separation from Ferrari, in the end justified by the caliber of his alternative, however somewhat the “no, thanks” responses from Purple Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin. These groups most well-liked two younger drivers (Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli) and an over-40, Fernando Alonso, who just lately signed a two-year extension, retaining him in F1 till age 45. This state of affairs compelled Carlos Sainz to affix Williams, a minimum of briefly stepping out of the circle of drivers competing for podiums.
On Sunday at Yas Marina, Carlos stored his feelings about his final day in purple 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 most likely by no means know, however I can inform you… sure, there was a second after I acquired emotional, however I’m retaining it for myself and my group.”
“Possibly I’m performing a little bit,” Carlos continued with a smile, “I might need realized it from Brad Pitt this weekend! However truthfully, I can say that so long as there’s work to be achieved, the mind doesn’t let you be emotional; competitiveness takes over. Nonetheless, there have been moments at the moment after I felt emotional, and fortuitously, you couldn’t see it.”
After the race, throughout his closing press convention in a Ferrari swimsuit, 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 consider I’ve helped carry this group again to the place it belongs—preventing for world championships. Sadly, we didn’t handle it this yr, however I really feel Ferrari is prepared and will probably 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 dedication wanted to all the time push to the utmost. We’ve seen that it’s not straightforward for any driver in my state of affairs to take care of degree of focus all year long, however I managed to do it.”
Because it ought to have been, Carlos Sainz concluded his closing Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver by stepping onto the rostrum. Carlos is conscious that his subsequent trophy might 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 battle 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 at the moment, it’s inconceivable to know the way lengthy it should take. I do know certainly one of my strengths helps a group obtain higher performances and understanding which instructions to observe.”
In his closing press convention in purple overalls, Carlos was joined by Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, two former teammates. After they have been requested if they might miss Carlos Sainz’s presence within the battle for high positions subsequent yr, 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: “Nicely, it’s one much less formidable and quick opponent; it’s higher that he’s not in a quick car!” Then Norris grew to become severe once more: “I do know Carlos nicely. Once I began racing in Method 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 vital. You’ll see, he’ll be again with us ahead of you suppose.”
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