arrived as of venture, leaves as a certainty

December 9, 2024

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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 super world, Ferrari would discipline three automobiles subsequent season, the one option to reconcile the legitimate causes for signing Lewis Hamilton with what the monitor 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 strong skilled with every thing wanted to safe a spot in a prime crew. 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 substitute, 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, retaining him in F1 till age 45. This state of affairs pressured Carlos Sainz to affix Williams, a minimum of quickly 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 gained’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 let you know… sure, there was a second after I acquired emotional, however I’m retaining it for myself and my crew.”

“Possibly I’m appearing a little bit,” Carlos continued with a smile, “I may need discovered it from Brad Pitt this weekend! However truthfully, I can say that so long as there’s work to be carried out, the mind doesn’t let you be emotional; competitiveness takes over. Nevertheless, there have been moments at this time after I felt emotional, and luckily, 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 pleased with my interval at Ferrari. Over 4 years, I imagine I’ve helped carry this crew 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 will probably be one of many favorites at the beginning 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 powerful for me; it wasn’t simple to maintain the motivation and willpower 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 great 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 come back, however he has accounted for this risk. “I actually 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 affirm is that I’m extra decided than ever to carry Williams again to the place it belongs. However at this time, it’s unimaginable to know the way lengthy it is going to take. I do know considered one of my strengths helps a crew obtain higher performances and understanding which instructions to comply with.”

In his closing press convention in purple 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 alternate 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.”

Ultimately, 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 turned severe once more: “I do know Carlos nicely. 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 carry a number of expertise, and he’ll add one thing essential. You’ll see, he’ll be again with us before you suppose.”