Carlos Sainz concluded his tenure with the Ferrari team by securing second place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Spanish driver candidly admitted that his departure from the Italian team stirred up emotions. However, Sainz is immediately focusing on his next goal: to compete for victories with Williams. Charles Leclerc believes that Sainz will be at the forefront of the grid in the future.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has concluded, marking the official end of Sainz’s time as a Ferrari driver. The Spaniard will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton in 2025 and is moving to Williams. Speaking at the FIA press conference after the race, Sainz expressed pride in his achievements with Ferrari. “I am proud to have contributed to this team’s return to its rightful place, fighting for championships, for four years,” said the Spanish driver. “We clearly didn’t achieve that this year, but I think they stand a good chance next year.
Sainz’s new team, Williams, has not been at the front of the grid in recent years, leading many experts to view the Madrid-born driver’s move as a step back. However, Carlos Sainz Jr. himself sees an opportunity to turn Williams back into a winning team. “I belong in the fight for podium places, for victories. I’ve proven that. But Williams belongs there too. How long that will take, I can’t tell you. I’m looking forward to this challenge. I know I can make Williams competitive again,” he said.
Sainz’s Comeback
As former teammates of Sainz, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc know better than anyone what the Madrid-born driver is capable of, and therefore expect it won’t be long before the Spaniard is back at the front of the grid. “Carlos is so talented, he has helped me improve in so many ways,” Leclerc compliments Sainz. “He’s an incredible teammate. It’s just a matter of time before he comes back and fights for victories.”
“Yes, I will miss Carlos,” Norris also says, but Sainz himself has his doubts about that. “I don’t think so,” the Madrid-born driver jokes. “I’m glad he’s not in a fast car anymore,” Norris adds to Sainz’s joke.
