Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc undoubtedly fashioned one of the crucial formidable driver partnerships of the 2024 Method 1 marketing campaign.
Collectively, the duo amassed a complete of 652 factors for the Maranello staff, almost securing the Constructors’ Championship, falling brief by simply 14 factors to McLaren. Their spectacular efficiency highlights Ferrari’s robust season, having received 5 races regardless of dealing with stiff competitors from Crimson Bull, who claimed 9 victories and noticed Max Verstappen take his fourth consecutive title.
Regardless of figuring out that he would get replaced by Lewis Hamilton in 2025, Carlos Sainz remained dedicated to Ferrari, delivering when it mattered most. His victories in Australia and Mexico have been notably noteworthy, along with his triumph in Melbourne coming mere weeks after recovering from appendicitis. His dominant win in Mexico, the place he led from begin to end, additional demonstrated his talent and resilience.
In response to Carlos Sainz’s submit celebrating their time collectively, Charles Leclerc shared a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram tales, expressing gratitude for his or her partnership.
The 2 drivers have labored collectively for 4 seasons, with Carlos Sainz having defeated Charles Leclerc as soon as in 2021, however the Monegasque driver outscoring him on three different events. Their shut competitors was mirrored of their remarkably slim hole this yr, with a mean distinction of simply 0.028 seconds between their quickest laps throughout the races.
In his personal submit, Carlos Sainz described their 4 years collectively as “superb” and thanked Charles Leclerc for the fixed problem and pushing him to carry out at his finest all through their partnership.
In a reply on Instagram, the Monegasque driver wrote: “Thanks mate. I want you all the easiest too. Was so good to be pushing one another a lot race after race. Learnt a lot from you and the best way we’ve got labored collectively in these previous years. So many nice moments shared that I’ll look again at proud and blissful to have shared them with you.”
Carlos Sainz was given a memorable farewell as he wrapped up his time with Ferrari, marking the ultimate days of his contract with a heartfelt send-off on the Maranello headquarters. In the course of the occasion, the Spanish driver took his 2022 race-winning automobile for a spin across the iconic Fiorano circuit, relishing the chance to bid a becoming adieu to the Scuderia.
Including a private contact to the event, Sainz’s father, Carlos Sainz Sr., additionally participated within the occasion, driving the F1-75 alongside his son. Ferrari shared that Sainz Sr. skilled a spin throughout considered one of his laps however shortly regained management and acquired again up to the mark, showcasing the true spirit of motorsport.
As a last gesture of appreciation for his dedication and achievements with the staff, Ferrari offered Carlos Sainz with the very automobile he had pushed throughout his farewell. In accordance with stories from Italian media, this considerate present got here as a nice shock to the 30-year-old driver, serving as a logo of the influence he had made throughout his time with the Scuderia.
The Spaniard is now making ready for a brand new chapter in his profession, as he transitions to Williams for the 2025 Method 1 marketing campaign. He had already examined with the staff throughout the Abu Dhabi post-season take a look at in early December, marking step one of his new journey with the Grove-based squad.