As Carlos Sainz prepares to bid farewell to Ferrari, the Spaniard finds himself in a high-stakes battle to deliver the Constructors’ Championship to the team that has been his home for four years. With Ferrari trailing his former team McLaren by 21 points, Sainz knows the odds are against them heading into Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina. Still, he’s determined to go out on a high.
“It Would Mean Everything”
For Sainz, winning the title on his final weekend with Ferrari would be a dream conclusion to his journey with the sport’s most iconic team.
“Winning the title for Ferrari on Sunday would mean everything to me, honestly,” Sainz told reporters. “It is, I think, the best way to say goodbye to my home these last four years and to the team that I’ve given my absolute best to.”
The task is monumental. To overcome the 21-point deficit, Sainz and teammate Charles Leclerc will need an almost flawless performance, potentially a one-two finish, and hope McLaren falters. Despite the challenge, Sainz is holding onto hope:
“Recovering those 21 points in one weekend requires perfection from our side and probably a bad weekend from theirs. But I’ve seen crazier things happen in racing. We’ll give it our best shot.”
Aiming for the Perfect Goodbye
Sainz, who has clinched two wins this season, is not only focused on the championship but also hopes to finish his Ferrari chapter with a personal victory. “I hope to sign off with a win,” he added, reflecting the determination that has defined his time at Maranello.
As he looks back on his Ferrari journey, Sainz spoke warmly about the passion within the team, particularly from his mechanics:
“One of the biggest things I’m going to miss is the mechanics. The passion you see in Ferrari mechanics is something unbelievable. They understand racing, strategy—they follow every moment. And back in Maranello, they’re almost like celebrities because they’re Ferrari mechanics. That only happens here.”
Saying Goodbye Amid Change
Sainz’s departure from Ferrari comes as the team brings in seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for 2025, a move that underscores the intense pressure and expectation surrounding Ferrari’s pursuit of glory. For Sainz, it’s a bittersweet moment as he leaves the team he’s called home:
“I’ve enjoyed every single moment with them. To say goodbye with a Constructors’ title would be the perfect sign-off.”
The Final Challenge
As Ferrari prepares for Sunday’s showdown, the odds may not be in their favor, but the passion and resilience that Sainz embodies could make for a thrilling conclusion. Whether the Scuderia can pull off a miraculous comeback or not, Sainz’s farewell will be remembered as a testament to his dedication and love for the team.
For Ferrari and its fans, the race in Abu Dhabi isn’t just about points—it’s about closing a chapter with the dignity and determination that defines the Prancing Horse. All eyes will be on Sainz as he gives it everything in his final dance in red.
