Carlos Sainz and father recently experienced a poignant Ferrari farewell gift, marked by an emotional F1 track outing at the iconic Fiorano circuit.
This heartfelt send-off not only celebrated the Spaniard’s tenure with the legendary Italian team but also highlighted the deep-rooted family connection that has been a significant part of his racing journey.
On December 17, 2024, Carlos Sainz took to the Fiorano track in Ferrari’s F1-75, the very car that secured second place in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022. This special occasion was made even more memorable as Sainz shared the track with his father, who drove a car from 2022 as well.
The F1 track outing served as a fitting Ferrari farewell gift to Sainz after his four-year stint with the team during which he established himself as a formidable competitor in Formula 1.
Carlos Sainz’s departure from the Scuderia comes after an impressive season where he claimed victories at both the Australian and Mexican Grands Prix.
His win in Australia was particularly remarkable, considering it followed a brief recovery period after undergoing surgery for appendicitis. This resilience and determination has left a lasting impression on fans and team members alike.
The decision for Sainz to leave Ferrari was announced earlier in the year when it was revealed that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton would be joining the Scuderia in 2025 F1.
Despite the change, Carlos Sainz’s performance over the past seasons has solidified his reputation within the sport. He became the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race during the 2023 season, triumphing at the Singapore Grand Prix, and continued to showcase his talent with two additional wins in 2024.
Team principal Fred Vasseur expressed gratitude for Sainz’s contributions to the team during their Ferrari farewell event in Maranello.
Vasseur said: “We did the farewell for Carlos Sainz and father also did some laps with the car. It was the best way to thank all of them for what they did for the team, and also Carlos Senior.
“I think with Carlos, we had at least two good seasons. Probably the most emotional part of the season for me was in Melbourne when he won the race after the surgery.
“And last year, we had the recovery after the summer break, that he was the guy who got the pole position in Monza, the win in Singapore. His contribution was very important to the improvement of the team.
“I know it was not an easy situation for him, when I had to give him the call in February. You can imagine that it was a tough situation. But he was able to keep the same approach all year, to be very professional, very dedicated, to fight until the last corner of the last lap of the last race.
“It [the farewell on Tuesday] was a bit emotional. It’s always emotional. Even for the father, it was emotional.”
The emotional Ferrari farewell at Fiorano was not just about saying goodbye; it represented a celebration of what Sainz achieved with Ferrari. The bond between father and son was palpable as they shared laps on their F1 track outing, reminiscing about their journey together in motorsport.
Carlos Sainz Sr., himself a celebrated rally driver, has been an influential figure in his son’s career providing guidance and support throughout his rise in Formula 1.
As Sainz prepares for his new chapter with Williams Racing, where he will partner with Alex Albon, he leaves behind a legacy at Ferrari that is characterized by hard work and determination.
The 30-year old’s journey with Williams is anticipated with great interest, as fans wonder how he will adapt to a new environment and continue to grow as a driver.
Reflecting on his time with Ferrari, Carlos Sainz expressed heartfelt gratitude on social media, thanking the team for their support and highlighting the unforgettable memories created during his time there.
His farewell message resonated with fans who have followed his career closely, many of whom shared their own sentiments of appreciation for his contributions to the sport.
Looking ahead, while Sainz embarks on this new adventure with Williams, he has not ruled out a potential return to Ferrari in the future. His aspirations remain high as he aims to build on his successes and further establish himself as one of Formula 1’s elite drivers.
