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 really perfect world, Ferrari would discipline three automobiles subsequent season, the one method 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 lots of query marks; 4 years later, he leaves as a stable skilled with the whole lot wanted to safe a spot in a prime workforce. Probably 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 fairly the “no, thanks” responses from Pink 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, holding him in F1 till age 45. This situation 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 saved his feelings about his final day in pink 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 once I acquired emotional, however I’m holding it for myself and my workforce.”
“Possibly I’m appearing a little bit,” Carlos continued with a smile, “I might need discovered it from Brad Pitt this weekend! However truthfully, I can say that so long as there’s work to be finished, the mind doesn’t mean you can be emotional; competitiveness takes over. Nevertheless, there have been moments at this time once I felt emotional, and thankfully, you couldn’t see it.”
After the race, throughout his remaining press convention in a Ferrari swimsuit, Sainz managed his feelings completely, reflecting on his time at Maranello. “I really feel very pleased with my interval at Ferrari. Over 4 years, I imagine I’ve helped deliver this workforce 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 can be one of many favorites initially of the 2025 season.”
“I’m pleased 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 willpower wanted to at all times push to the utmost. We’ve seen that it’s not simple for any driver in my scenario to take care of a great degree 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 return, however he has accounted for this risk. “I definitely can’t know what the longer term holds for me, nor can I predict how lengthy it is going to take Williams to battle for a podium place. What I can verify is that I’m extra decided than ever to deliver Williams again to the place it belongs. However at this time, it’s inconceivable to understand how lengthy it is going to take. I do know certainly one of my strengths helps a workforce 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. Once they have been requested if they’d miss Carlos Sainz’s presence within the battle for prime positions subsequent 12 months, a humorous change unfolded. “Sure, I’ll miss Carlos,” Lando Norris remarked, solely to be interrupted by Carlos Sainz: “I don’t assume you’ll miss me; inform the reality, you assume it’s higher this manner.”
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 grew to become severe once more: “I do know Carlos effectively. Once I began racing in System 1, he was my teammate, and I do know his value. However he’ll be again. Williams is rising, he’ll deliver plenty of expertise, and he’ll add one thing necessary. You’ll see, he’ll be again with us ahead of you assume.”
— see video above —
Dec 9, 2024
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