Carlos Sainz therefore shone for his last Formula 1 Grand Prix at the wheel of a Ferrari, as he finished second in the event after putting pressure on Lando Norris for a while.
Unfortunately, this good result, coupled with the podium of his teammate Charles Leclerc, did not allow the Scuderia to overthrow McLaren F1 in the championship, the Spanish driver admitting to having “mixed feelings.”
“We all approached this race trying to win the constructors' championship. McLaren had a very good weekend. Lando didn't put a foot wrong throughout the entire race and the entire weekend. At the end of I congratulate them because they deserve it. For my part, I tried to do everything I could to stay within reach of McLaren. Before the race, we knew that McLaren could have a tenth or two. ahead of us and that was enough, you know, to get a little lead before the pit stops or during the race to have a little margin and not feel too much pressure.”
“I think I had a very good first stint, I managed to keep them within reach and within the margins of pressure, especially when I was told that Charles was making a good comeback. Oscar obviously had This incident on the first lap, I thought maybe we had a chance, but little by little it started to fade when we put on the hard tires, as we saw in many cases. this year the McLaren increased the pace and began to take a two or three tenths lead per lap, which allowed them to have that safety margin and bring the car home. On our side, I think we did everything we could. I gave it my all this weekend. It wasn't an easy weekend for me, obviously, knowing that it was the last one, but I did my best to stay focused and do my best.”
How did Sainz feel when he drove this red car one last time?
“It was strange. I'm a little emotional, I'm not going to lie. I knew it would be my last race with a group of people that I've liked for the last four years. It was probably the last time I I was getting into a Ferrari car, and I felt very emotional. I tried to remember to enjoy the race as much as possible and give my best for this team.
Ferrari has a 'very good chance' of winning the title in 2025 with Leclerc
When joining Ferrari in 2021, Carlos Sainz had no F1 victories and two podiums, he leaves the Scuderia with four successes to his name and 25 additional trophies.
“I am obviously very proud of my time at Ferrari. I am proud to have contributed during these four years to bringing this team back to where it should be, that is to say in the fight for the world championship. Unfortunately , we didn't succeed this year, but I have the feeling that Ferrari are now ready to fight for the world championship next year, and with Charles, I honestly believe they have a very good chance, and they are, for me, one of the favorites for the year next.”
“For my part, I am proud of these four years, but perhaps even more of this last year. It was very difficult mentally and very stimulating with the news at the beginning of the year, to keep the motivation, the determination , to continue pushing throughout the year with a 24-race calendar and not let myself get discouraged at times. I think it was a great challenge that I managed to overcome with strength and determination to finish. strong year, with a few podiums, a victory in Mexico and helping the team dream of the constructors' title We saw that it was not easy for another driver leaving a team to keep this focus and motivation throughout the year. I managed to do it.”
Despite the stakes and the fact that he was competing in his last race for Ferrari, Sainz visibly remained in control of his emotions. At least that's what he made it appear, but was that really the case?
“I was moved at one point this Sunday. I'm not going to tell you exactly when or how. It's a feeling that I keep for myself and for my team. And yes, maybe it's a little comedy, and I act like I'm not emotional at all And I learned from Brad Pitt who's here this weekend I tell you, I was. moved. It's just that there was too much work to do. to do and too many things to fight for. Your brain doesn't allow you to be emotional because you care more about winning and giving the team a constructors' championship than your emotions themselves. competitiveness takes over. But there were times when I was emotional and luckily you didn't see it.”
Sainz 'really looking forward' to Williams F1 challenge
With the Ferrari page now turned, Carlos Sainz will be able to concentrate on the new chapter of his career at Williams F1. He is also behind the wheel of the FW46 today on the Yas Marina circuit for a private day before the tests tomorrow and will therefore quickly be able to adapt to his new environment, while the team based in Grove will have good need his experience to progress in the coming seasons.
“I am extremely motivated by the challenge ahead of me. I tried to make the most of my last day in red. We still have a few days in Maranello, but it is obvious that my mind is already focused on the future and about making the Williams faster.”
After this podium obtained in Abu Dhabi, is the Spanish driver preparing to live a period without the slightest trophy?
“That's a question I can't answer. It's impossible to predict the future, impossible to know how long it will take Williams and me to fight for the podium again. I think that James Vowles said it the other day and calmed everyone's expectations, that next year will be a difficult year and a learning year before we prepare for the regulation change in 2026, where I believe that the team invests and prepares for maximize this chance. What I can tell you is that I am more determined than ever to help this team find its place.”
“Personally, I think my place is to fight for wins, podiums and top 5s in Formula 1. I think I've proven that in the last four years as a driver. I think that's my place But Williams cannot forget that she also has her place in the fight for the top five places and the podiums. With the determination and the strength that I think we will show together, the goal is to do so. so that Williams and I We're fighting for these positions in the near future. I can't tell you how long it will take.”
“But as I said before, I don't think you understand how motivated and eager I am to take on this challenge. I know it's one of my qualities: to help a team perform better and knowing which direction to follow And that really motivates me, to have a complete team behind Alex Albon and me all pushing in the same direction to make a historic team like Williams competitive again. 'it's hard to explain, but some people don't don't understand how much I'm looking forward to it.”
