Among the many many hugs, the strongest got here from his father, Carlos. Sainz’s farewell to Ferrari is a high-profile one, very totally different from Kimi Raikkonen’s departure in 2019 or Sebastian Vettel’s a 12 months later. In each circumstances, 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 automobiles subsequent season, the one option to reconcile the legitimate causes for signing Lewis Hamilton with what the observe has demonstrated about Sainz’s worth.
However there are solely two automobiles, 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 every part wanted to safe a spot in a prime group. Essentially the most jarring facet of Carlos Sainz’s 2024 isn’t a lot his separation from Ferrari, finally justified by the caliber of his alternative, however relatively 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, holding him in F1 till age 45. This situation pressured Carlos Sainz to affix Williams, at the very least quickly stepping out of the circle of drivers competing for podiums.
On Sunday at Yas Marina, Carlos stored his feelings about his final day in pink to himself, efficiently concealing them—or so it appeared. “Did I get emotional? Perhaps, however you gained’t know. Maybe whereas I used to be beneath 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 let you know… sure, there was a second after I received emotional, however I’m holding it for myself and my group.”
“Perhaps I’m appearing just a little,” 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 immediately after I felt emotional, and happily, you couldn’t see it.”
After the race, throughout his remaining 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 deliver this group again to the place it belongs—combating for world championships. Sadly, we didn’t handle it this 12 months, however I really feel Ferrari is prepared and shall be one of many favorites at the beginning 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 robust for me; it wasn’t simple to maintain the motivation and dedication wanted to all the time push to the utmost. We’ve seen that it’s not simple for any driver in my state of affairs to keep up a very good stage of focus all year long, however I managed to do it.”
Because it ought to have been, Carlos Sainz concluded his remaining 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 come back, 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 can take Williams to combat for a podium place. What I can affirm is that I’m extra decided than ever to deliver Williams again to the place it belongs. However immediately, it’s unimaginable to know the way lengthy it can take. I do know one in all my strengths helps a group obtain higher performances and understanding which instructions to comply with.”
In his remaining press convention in pink overalls, Carlos was joined by Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, two former teammates. After they had been requested if they’d miss Carlos Sainz’s presence within the combat for prime 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 fashion.”
Ultimately, 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 critical once more: “I do know Carlos effectively. Once I began racing in Components 1, he was my teammate, and I do know his price. However he’ll be again. Williams is rising, he’ll deliver quite a lot of expertise, and he’ll add one thing vital. You’ll see, he’ll be again with us prior to you suppose.”
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