Carlos Sainz signed off from his Ferrari chapter with a heartfelt message, “Grazie di cuore!” (“Thank you with all my heart”), as he concluded his four-year tenure with the Scuderia following a determined second-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Despite his stellar performance and teammate Charles Leclerc’s P3 finish, Ferrari fell short of the Constructors’ Championship, which McLaren clinched for the first time since 1998.
A Final Push That Wasn’t Enough
Sainz put in a strong drive at Yas Marina, keeping Lando Norris under pressure throughout the race. However, the Spaniard admitted that Ferrari simply didn’t have the pace to match McLaren’s dominant MCL38 on the day.
“We gave it everything we had,” Sainz reflected in Ferrari’s race report. “I did my best to try to keep Lando under pressure, but McLaren was just a bit faster overall. Congratulations to the Papaya team for the Constructors’ Championship—they fought hard and deserve it!”
Sainz’s valiant effort wasn’t without reward, though, as it underscored Ferrari’s growth this season. The Scuderia secured five wins and multiple podiums, marking a significant improvement from their struggles in recent years.
An Emotional Goodbye
For Sainz, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wasn’t just about racing—it was a farewell steeped in sentimentality. From the parade lap to the chequered flag, the gravity of his departure was evident. Sainz, who will join Williams next season, took time to reflect on his journey with Ferrari.
“It was an emotional parade lap after the chequered flag, and I suspect tonight will bring even more emotions,” he said. “These four years together are something I will always cherish. I have no words to describe it in a simple final quote. Thank you, Scuderia Ferrari, for everything.”
During his Ferrari tenure, Sainz secured four Grand Prix victories, six pole positions, and became a key figure in the team’s resurgence. His contributions not only brought success on track but also strengthened the dynamic within the Maranello-based outfit.
Team Praise for Sainz
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur lauded Sainz’s professionalism and contributions to the team’s progress. Highlighting the healthy competition between Sainz and Leclerc, Vasseur credited the Spaniard for his pivotal role in fostering team cohesion.
“Carlos was always very professional, always consistent, and he and Charles always fought each other hard—which is a good thing as you progress faster as a team this way,” Vasseur remarked. “I wanted to see the team all pulling in the same direction, and Carlos did more than his share in achieving that.”
Looking Ahead
As Sainz departs Ferrari to join Williams, his legacy at the Scuderia remains one of grit, growth, and camaraderie. While the team fell short of championship glory in Abu Dhabi, the strides made during Sainz’s tenure set a foundation for future success.
The Spaniard’s farewell was not just a goodbye but also a celebration of his contributions, as the iconic Red squad gears up to write its next chapter. For Sainz, the road ahead offers a fresh challenge, but his time at Ferrari will forever be etched in Formula 1 history.