Carlos Sainz credited the Formula 1 Autumn break with giving him the reset needed for an emotional, dominant victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Spaniard’s win, his fourth career triumph, came after a challenging seven months of watching teammate Charles Leclerc take wins in Monaco, Monza, and Austin. With his future set away from Ferrari in 2025, Sainz’s season has been marked by highs and lows, but Mexico delivered a powerful comeback.
Reflecting on the season’s journey, Sainz explained that the three-week break played a crucial role in reinvigorating his confidence and motivation amid a turbulent season.
“Yeah, it’s been a strange year in that sense,” Sainz shared post-race. “The year started really well, then we went through a tough development period. Suddenly, the car became competitive again, and I saw that winning chances were still there. But seeing Charles take those wins, I felt, ‘I also want to win before I leave.’”
Despite a season that could have led to diminished motivation, Sainz said that the break helped him refocus and improve his driving. “Those three weeks served me well. I regained the determination I needed for these last few races,” he said. “It’s not been an easy year, but I’m proud of the way I’ve managed to keep myself in it.”
Sainz seized control in Mexico, starting from pole and outpacing the field, successfully holding off rivals and ensuring the victory did not “slip from [his] hands.” With four races left, Ferrari has rocketed into second place in the Constructors’ standings. Now at 537 points, they trail leaders McLaren by 29 and lead Red Bull by 25.
Sainz’s remaining time with Ferrari, before joining Williams next year, is “bittersweet,” he admitted, especially seeing Ferrari’s late-season surge as the Scuderia potentially sets up for a title-contending 2025.
“It gives me a feeling Ferrari might be in the fight for the World Championship next year, and I will not be there to use it,” Sainz remarked. “I feel like I’ve been quite a big part of this team during the last four years, and the fact that I’m leaving in five races leaves me… not with a very good feeling.”
With Ferrari poised for a strong finish, Sainz is determined to help push his team toward a potential Constructors’ title as the perfect farewell.
