Carlos Sainz’s four-year stint at Ferrari might not have yielded a championship or a stack of victories, but his tenure was far from fruitless. With his departure, Sainz leaves behind a legacy of resilience, professionalism, and a critical role in Ferrari’s resurgence as a competitive force in Formula 1. His contributions, while often overshadowed by teammate Charles Leclerc, carved a unique and respected place for him in the storied history of the Scuderia.
A Partnership of Equals (Almost)
While Leclerc was always Ferrari’s marquee talent, Sainz proved to be more than just a capable second driver. The numbers tell a story of a pairing that was closer in performance than many would expect.
- Qualifying Battles: Leclerc consistently had the upper hand, winning the head-to-head every season. However, Sainz narrowed the gap significantly in 2024, finishing just 0.037 seconds behind on average—a career-best for him at Ferrari.
- Racing Laps: Over their partnership, Leclerc was ahead on 62% of the laps they completed together, translating to better finishing positions in 63% of their shared races. But Sainz’s ability to match or exceed Leclerc’s pace in specific conditions often filled gaps where the Monegasque struggled.
Mastering Ferrari’s Weaknesses
Sainz’s strengths often complemented Leclerc’s weaknesses, making them one of the most well-rounded driver pairings on the grid. Tracks with low grip or front-limited conditions—areas where Leclerc admitted to struggling—were where Sainz thrived. His qualifying performances in places like Mexico and his ability to excel under challenging conditions, such as at Portimão in 2021, underscored his value to the team.
As Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur noted:
“Carlos’s skillset often balanced Charles’s more aggressive approach. Together, they made us a stronger team.”
Moments of Triumph Amid Challenges
While Ferrari’s title drought continues, Sainz delivered memorable moments that showcased his ability to rise to the occasion. His victory in Singapore in 2023, his pole position at Monza, and his resilience in the face of personal challenges—such as winning in Melbourne a week after surgery—cemented his place as a driver who could perform under pressure.
Vasseur reflected on Sainz’s contributions:
“It was probably the most emotional part of the season for me when he won in Melbourne. His pole in Monza and his win in Singapore showed his dedication and talent.”
A Graceful Farewell
Ferrari’s heartfelt sendoff for Sainz highlighted the respect he earned within the team. The Fiorano farewell, where both Sainz and his father drove Ferrari F1 cars, was attended by key figures, including Leclerc, underscoring the bond he forged with the team.
Sainz himself expressed pride in his Ferrari journey:
“I feel very proud of my time in Ferrari, proud to have contributed these four years to bring this team back to where it belongs—fighting for world championships.”
Sainz’s Place in Ferrari History
Though Sainz may not be remembered as one of Ferrari’s legendary champions, he leaves as one of its most dependable and versatile drivers. His ability to push Leclerc, adapt to challenges, and deliver results in critical moments has earned him a place in the top 10 of Ferrari’s race starters.
Ferrari’s 2024 season may have fallen short of a Constructors’ Championship, but Sainz’s efforts played a crucial role in bringing the team closer to its ultimate goal. As he moves on, his legacy will be one of professionalism, perseverance, and significant contributions to Maranello’s storied racing history.
