Carlos Sainz claims to be “100% convinced” that he is as good as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
The seven-time world champion will arrive at Maranello next year to replace Sainz, with the Spaniard having to settle for a seat at Williams F1.
As a gesture to Sainz, Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur agreed to allow the 30-year-old driver to get his first taste of the Williams during post-Abu Dhabi GP testing – before the official expiration of his contract.
“The story is that I want to thank Carlos for his collaboration. I don't want to block him,” said the Frenchman.
“I think he did a very good job with us this season and a very professional job because it would have been easy to have a less professional attitude. And for me the best way to thank Carlos was also to give him the “opportunity to test with Williams.”
Sainz will not only be driving when official Abu Dhabi testing begins on Tuesday after the race, he will also be in action the day before for a day of filming.
As Sainz's four-year career at Ferrari draws to a close, he is keen to say he does not believe Vasseur will have a superior driver duo for 2025 and beyond.
“I am 100% convinced that in my best form I am the best. It is very difficult to beat me – the example is Mexico.”
“I just need to improve my consistency. Charles has been more consistent at the highest level, as has Hamilton.”
But what about Max Verstappen? The new four-time world champion said after Las Vegas that he believed he could have won the 2024 title “earlier” if he had been in a McLaren or Ferrari rather than a Red Bull.
“His season was not only phenomenal, it was one of the best in F1 history,” replied Sainz.
“As for his car, I should drive it before deciding.”
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