arrived as a gamble, leaves as a certainty

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 yr 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 super world, Ferrari would subject 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 lots of query marks; 4 years later, he leaves as a strong skilled with all the pieces wanted to safe a spot in a high staff. Probably 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 substitute, 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 not too long ago signed a two-year extension, holding him in F1 till age 45. This state of affairs compelled Carlos Sainz to affix Williams, not 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 purple to himself, efficiently concealing them—or so it appeared. “Did I get emotional? Possibly, however you received’t know. Maybe whereas I used to be below 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 obtained emotional, however I’m holding it for myself and my staff.”

“Possibly I’m appearing somewhat,” 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 will let you be emotional; competitiveness takes over. Nonetheless, there have been moments at this time after I felt emotional, and fortuitously, you couldn’t see it.”

After the race, throughout his last 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 convey this staff again to the place it belongs—combating for world championships. Sadly, we didn’t handle it this yr, however I really feel Ferrari is prepared and can be one of many favorites at first 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 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 state of affairs to keep up stage of focus all year long, however I managed to do it.”

Because it ought to have been, Carlos Sainz concluded his last 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 actually can’t know what the longer term 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 convey Williams again to the place it belongs. However at this time, it’s unattainable to understand how lengthy it should take. I do know one in every of my strengths helps a staff obtain higher performances and understanding which instructions to observe.”

In his last 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 struggle 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 assume you’ll miss me; inform the reality, you assume it’s higher this fashion.”

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. After 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 convey quite a lot of expertise, and he’ll add one thing necessary. You’ll see, he’ll be again with us earlier than you assume.”

— see video above —