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Carlos Sainz Reflects on Emotional Ferrari Farewell, Eyes Ambitious Rebuild with Williams: “Jumping out of the car, I had bittersweet feeling”

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
December 9, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Carlos Sainz Reflects on Emotional Ferrari Farewell, Eyes Ambitious Rebuild with Williams: “Jumping out of the car, I had bittersweet feeling”

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 8, 2024 Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr. after finishing second REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Carlos Sainz wrapped up his Ferrari chapter with a poignant final race in Abu Dhabi, finishing second to former teammate Lando Norris, with Charles Leclerc completing the podium. As the Spaniard prepares for his next challenge with Williams, he admitted to reporters that the weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions, though he did his best to keep them under wraps.

“It hasn’t been an easy weekend for me, obviously, knowing it was the last one,” Sainz shared. “I did the best I could to stay focused and to do the maximum that the car could do today, I think.”

“A Farewell Behind the Visor”

Sainz, who leaves Ferrari after four years and four race wins, revealed that the true weight of the moment hit him in private. While he remained composed on the surface, he admitted the emotions simmered beneath.

“Maybe it was in the helmet. Maybe it was in the 10 minutes prior to a race when I was in the car. Maybe it was the in-lap,” he reflected. “Maybe you’ll never know.”

Despite the bittersweet nature of his departure, Sainz emphasized his gratitude and pride in his tenure with the Scuderia. “I knew this was my last race with a group of people I’ve truly enjoyed working with over these last four years. The last time I would probably jump into a Ferrari car.”

“Proving Himself Among the Best”

Sainz departs Ferrari with significant achievements, including two victories this season, and a growing reputation as one of Formula 1’s most reliable performers. His move to Williams comes as Ferrari makes way for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

“I’ve shown myself and the world that I can fight for victories and podiums when I have the right car,” Sainz stated. His next mission, however, is a formidable one: helping Williams return to its former glory.

“A New Beginning with Williams”

Sainz’s journey with Williams begins immediately, with testing set to start just two days after his Ferrari farewell. While excited about the challenge, he acknowledged that adapting to his new team and car will require time and patience.

“I’m not going to lie, my last laps today… as much as I was pushing like hell for this team, I was already trying to memorize things in the car,” Sainz revealed. “I kept telling myself, ‘Remember how this feels,’ because tomorrow I need to understand why this car is quick in this corner and what makes it feel good. I know what I’m likely to find tomorrow will need improvement, and I’m ready for that.”

“An Uphill Battle Ahead”

Sainz is acutely aware of the mountain Williams must climb to become competitive in the modern F1 landscape. But for a driver motivated by challenges, the opportunity to lead a historic team’s revival is one he relishes.

“It’s a fresh start, but it’s also a long-term project,” Sainz said. “I’m highly motivated to help Williams regain its place among the greats, but it won’t happen overnight.”

“Bittersweet Goodbye”

As Sainz steps away from Ferrari, the emotions of his final in-lap encapsulated the moment. “Jumping out of the car, I already had the bittersweet feeling,” he admitted. “But I know the journey ahead will define my career in new and exciting ways.”

The Spaniard’s transition marks the end of an era for Ferrari and the start of a daring new chapter for Williams, as Sainz aims to write another storied chapter in his Formula 1 legacy.

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