In his farewell weekend for Ferrari, Carlos Sainz drives to P3 in the qualifiers. The Spaniard knows that from next season he will have a less speedy car at his disposal and therefore pulls out all the stops one last time. “I have nothing to lose,” he says.
“We have made quite a bit of progress this weekend, although McLaren is a step ahead of the rest,” Sainz responds immediately after the session. “In Q1 and Q2 it seemed like we were getting closer, but once in Q3 they still had a slight lead on us. Either way, there’s still a whole race on the schedule tomorrow and we will give everything to win it.”
Because Sainz wants to win like no other. The departing Ferrari driver will have to make do with the Williams car after this weekend, so this is his last chance for champagne for the time being. “That’s why I pushed like never before because I wanted to secure the pole to give myself the best position for tomorrow. It will be my last fight for a win or podium place for the time being. On the other hand, I want to enjoy this weekend as much as possible and go all out. I have nothing to lose, so we’re going for it.”
No Tears Yet
So far, the Spaniard has managed to keep it dry in Abu Dhabi, but that may change tomorrow. “It’s not so emotional for me yet because I’m focusing so hard. After all, there’s still a lot at stake; I can win tomorrow and we’re still fighting for the constructors’ championship. I just haven’t had time to let it sink in, but that will come after the race tomorrow,” Sainz concludes.
