Carlos Sainz may be leaving the Scuderia team, but he will at least have a Formula 1 Ferrari in his garage at home.
Just two days ago, the 30-year-old tested his old F1 car at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, where his famous father and namesake Carlos Sainz Sr drove another 2022 model at the same time.
It was an initiative by Frédéric Vasseur which was absolutely not planned and the Frenchman even decided on an exceptional farewell gift (not provided for in the contract) since Sainz will recover the F1-75 with which he won his first career Grand Prix at Silverstone (photos).
The team principal commented: “I spent two great seasons with Carlos and I thank him for that.”
“I know it wasn’t easy for him when he learned we wouldn’t be renewing his contract, but Carlos remained focused and professional, helping the team fight until the last corner of the last lap of the last race in Abu Dhabi.”
“So we said a nice farewell to Carlos, and he took the car for a few laps, his father too.”
“It was the best way to thank them all for what they did for the team, and also Carlos Senior.”
Vasseur then looked back on the superb season of Sainz, who gave everything even though he knew he would no longer be able to drive with the Scuderia after four seasons.
It included two victories in Australia and Mexico, the first just a fortnight after Sainz underwent surgery on his appendix.
“I think with Carlos we had at least two good seasons. The most emotional moment of the season for me was probably in Melbourne, when he won the race after the operation.”
“Last year we were able to come back after the summer break, he was the one who got the pole position at Monza, the victory in Singapore. His contribution was very important for the improvement of the team.”
“I know it wasn’t an easy situation for him, when I had to call him in February and tell him that Lewis was coming in his place. You can imagine it was a difficult situation.”
“But he knew how to keep the same approach all year long, to be very professional, very dedicated, to fight until the last corner of the last lap of the last race.”
“It was a little emotional these goodbyes on Tuesday. It’s always emotional. Even for his father, it was emotional.”
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