Carlos Sainz is ready to leave it all on the track in his final race for Ferrari, as the Spaniard prepares to part ways with the iconic team after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Starting from third on the grid, just behind the dominant McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Sainz is treating the Yas Marina showdown as his last opportunity to deliver a victory for the Prancing Horse.
“This might be my last chance to win,” Sainz declared. “I’m pushing harder than ever before. I’ve got nothing to lose.”
Sainz’s Swan Song with Ferrari
The 30-year-old driver has been a consistent performer for Ferrari throughout a tumultuous 2024 season, helping the team remain in contention for the Constructors’ Championship. However, the Italian outfit faces an uphill battle, trailing McLaren by 31 points heading into the final race. While Ferrari’s progress has been evident, their qualifying woes have left them vulnerable, with Charles Leclerc enduring a disastrous session and starting from 20th after a grid penalty.
Despite the odds, Sainz sees this as the ultimate stage to sign off in style before he joins Williams for the 2025 season. Ferrari, in turn, will welcome seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton as Sainz’s replacement, marking the end of an era at Maranello.
“Progress Made, but McLaren Is a Step Ahead”
Sainz’s determination to deliver Ferrari one last triumph comes despite acknowledging McLaren’s superior pace. The team has been a dominant force throughout 2024, locking out the front row in Abu Dhabi and solidifying their claim to the Constructors’ Championship.
“We made good progress across the weekend, but McLaren has been a step ahead,” Sainz admitted. “Still, there’s a race tomorrow, and we’ll do everything we can to win.”
Starting from P3, Sainz has his sights set firmly on victory, knowing he’ll need a flawless performance to outmaneuver Norris and Piastri. His grit and determination have been a hallmark of his Ferrari tenure, and Yas Marina offers him one final chance to etch his name into the team’s storied legacy.
Leclerc’s Support Amid Ferrari’s Struggles
While Sainz leads Ferrari’s charge from the second row, teammate Charles Leclerc is facing a Herculean challenge, starting from the back of the grid. The Monegasque star, hindered by a 10-place grid penalty, has vowed to support Sainz in what promises to be an emotional farewell.
“I’ll do my best to give Carlos the send-off he deserves,” Leclerc said. “It’s been an honor to race alongside him.”
A Legacy of Ups and Downs
The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for Sainz. Despite stellar performances, he found himself edged out of Ferrari’s future plans, making way for Hamilton’s arrival. However, Sainz has consistently showcased resilience, earning admiration from fans and the paddock alike.
As he lines up for his final race in red, Sainz carries not just the hopes of Ferrari fans but his own ambition to close this chapter of his career with a victory. With “nothing to lose,” the Spaniard’s farewell promises to be a spectacle of determination, speed, and emotion.
The Final Push
All eyes will be on Carlos Sainz as he takes on the McLarens under the lights of Yas Marina, racing not just for glory but for the legacy of his Ferrari journey. Can he pull off a fairytale ending and deliver a final triumph for the Prancing Horse? The stage is set, and Sainz is ready to push to the limit.
