Carlos Sainz’s transition from Ferrari’s iconic pink to a starkly completely different look was on full show throughout System 1’s post-season take a look at in Abu Dhabi. After spending 4 seasons in Ferrari’s distinctive racing overalls, Carlos Sainz donned a brand new outfit as he started a contemporary chapter with Williams.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix almost served as a storybook ending for Carlos Sainz’s time with the Scuderia. It was a race the place he had the prospect to bid farewell as a part of a group that would have clinched their first Constructors’ Championship in 16 years. Nonetheless, regardless of Carlos Sainz securing a powerful second-place end and teammate Charles Leclerc additionally reaching the rostrum, it was McLaren that stole the highlight. Lando Norris’s victory sealed McLaren’s first group title of the century, leaving Ferrari simply shy of their final aim.
When the chequered flag fell, it marked not simply the top of the 2024 season but additionally the conclusion of Carlos Sainz’s tenure at Ferrari. His seat at Maranello will now be crammed by Lewis Hamilton, who is ready to affix the group for the upcoming season. But, there was little time for Carlos Sainz to replicate on his 4 years with the Scuderia. Only a day after the season finale, he was again on observe, this time within the colours of his new group, Williams, collaborating within the post-season take a look at.
Carlos Sainz Begins New Chapter with Williams
On Monday afternoon, Carlos Sainz hit the Abu Dhabi circuit for a solo session forward of the official testing program. Clad in plain white overalls and sporting an unadorned white helmet, he took his first laps within the Williams FW46. The change in atmosphere was a stark distinction to his Ferrari days, however Carlos Sainz’s focus was already locked on the challenges forward.
Reflecting on the transition, Carlos Sainz revealed that his thoughts was on his Williams debut even earlier than crossing the end line for Ferrari. Talking to the media after the take a look at, Carlos Sainz shared insights into his mindset and the thrill of embarking on a brand new journey along with his new group: “I’m not going to lie, my final laps, as a lot as I used to be pushing like hell for this group and attempting to, I used to be already beginning to really feel issues within the automotive and attempting to say, ‘bear in mind how this feels’ – the previous Ferrari driver identified.
“As a result of tomorrow and Tuesday I want to recollect, why is that this automotive fast on this nook and why does it really feel good? As a result of I do know in all probability what I’m going to seek out tomorrow, and Tuesday wants some margin of enchancment within the corners that I used to be feeling the automotive. So this simply sums up that I’m already trying additionally forward. I’m extraordinarily motivated for the problem that I’ve forward of me. Right this moment is a day to attempt to get pleasure from as a lot as doable with the group as my final day in pink.”
How Carlos Sainz’s Preliminary Williams Laps Evaluate to His Ferrari Occasions
Motorsport has unveiled new insights into Carlos Sainz’s debut session along with his new group, Williams.
In his first run, Sainz accomplished seven laps, recording a greatest time of 1:26.484. Whereas this time is way from indicative of his potential, it highlights a stark distinction to his qualifying efficiency for Ferrari on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix simply days earlier. Throughout that session, Sainz secured P3 on the grid with a lap time of 1:22.824.
This 3.66-second hole underscores the completely different aims of the post-season take a look at. Even after a full day of working on Tuesday, Sainz’s occasions had been unlikely to reflect his Ferrari efficiency, because the session’s main focus was acclimation quite than outright tempo.
Ferrari Strikes On: Sainz Departs, Hamilton But to Arrive
Carlos Sainz has brazenly acknowledged that Ferrari’s choice to switch him with Lewis Hamilton was inevitable given the chance to usher in the seven-time world champion. Hamilton, who confronted challenges this season, hopes his transfer to Ferrari will rejuvenate his profession and doubtlessly ship an elusive eighth title, constructing on the groundwork laid by Sainz throughout his tenure.
In the meantime, Ferrari stays energetic in F1’s post-season take a look at. Nonetheless, Hamilton has not but joined the group on observe, as his contract with Mercedes extends till the 12 months’s finish. In his absence, Charles Leclerc is spearheading Ferrari’s efforts within the Pirelli tire take a look at, with Antonio Fuoco stepping in to pilot the second automotive. This session additionally fulfills the regulation requiring groups to allocate seat time to a rookie driver.
Notably, reserve driver Oliver Bearman, who made three F1 appearances in 2024, is ineligible for the rookie slot underneath the present guidelines. This growth highlights the fragile stability groups should navigate when complying with these stipulations whereas optimizing their post-season testing packages.
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