Carlos Sainz leaves Ferrari on the finish of the 2024 season as a race winner and a key determine in restoring the staff to its rightful place on the high of System 1. When he first joined Ferrari in 2021, the staff was struggling within the midfield, failing to safe a single victory. Quick ahead to 2024, and Carlos Sainz has not solely delivered a number of race wins however has additionally been integral in pushing the staff nearer to championship competition. His efforts, alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, led Ferrari to a heartbreaking second-place end within the Constructors’ Championship, falling brief by simply 14 factors to McLaren.
Ferrari’s stronger place now’s a direct results of Carlos Sainz’s onerous work, marking him as a pivotal determine in rejuvenating the staff. His success at Ferrari is the most recent chapter in a profession the place he has persistently helped elevate groups to the entrance of the grid, making it the second top-tier staff he’s performed a significant position in restoring to prominence.
This is likely one of the the reason why Lando Norris confidently advised Williams that Carlos Sainz’s arrival in 2025 would remodel them right into a high staff. Over the previous 5 years, Carlos Sainz has performed a vital half within the rise of the game’s quickest groups, exhibiting his capability to construct and lead aggressive squads.
In 2025, Lewis Hamilton will change the Spanish driver on the Maranello staff, becoming a member of from Mercedes in a transfer that shocked many, as some query whether or not the seven-time world champion’s greatest years are behind him. Nonetheless, Carlos Sainz’s departure marks the top of a chapter that has seen him deliver Ferrari again to prominence.
Carlos Sainz’s journey in 2024 included a significant problem forward of the Australian Grand Prix, when doubts clouded his confidence following a tough interval. Simply weeks after it was confirmed that Hamilton would take his seat for 2025, the Spanish driver confronted a well being setback through the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Spaniard fell sick, present process surgical procedure to take away his appendix, which left him sidelined and changed by rising star Oliver Bearman. The Ferrari junior made historical past by changing into the youngest point-scorer in Ferrari’s historical past throughout Carlos Sainz’s absence.
Regardless of nonetheless recovering from surgical procedure, Carlos Sainz made a outstanding comeback in Australia, dealing with not simply bodily discomfort but additionally the overwhelming dominance of Pink Bull, who had been successful with ease. Nonetheless, the Spaniard defied the chances and clinched a surprising victory after Max Verstappen’s early retirement. Reflecting on the win, Carlos Sainz described the second as significantly particular, contemplating the difficult circumstances he had confronted. It was a testomony to his resilience and dedication, marking a big spotlight in his Ferrari profession.
“I believe what makes the Australian Grand Prix win particular, is with what occurred the 2 weeks earlier than you understand, coming from the appendix surgical procedure, the unknown of whether or not I used to be going to race,” – the brand new Williams driver identified – “Immediately going from these full doubts to successful the race in the way in which I received it, was an unimaginable win.” – he continued.
How quickly will Carlos Sainz discover himself again on an F1 podium?
Carlos Sainz is now set to affix a Williams staff that has solely seen the rostrum as soon as up to now seven seasons, because of a lucky end result through the stormy 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, the place George Russell took benefit of the situations. To place it plainly, the staff wants near-miraculous circumstances to duplicate that achievement, and it could be a while earlier than Sainz, along with his 4 race wins to his identify, will get near the rostrum once more.
The Grove-based squad has made it clear that their major focus is on the 2026 F1 laws, with plans to fully revamp their method and start a brand new period of competitiveness. Beneath the management of staff principal James Vowles, Williams has been working diligently to reinforce its infrastructure, making vital investments with the purpose of changing into a critical contender as soon as extra. This transformation is crucial for them to compete on the highest ranges once more.
Within the meantime, the Spaniard will staff up with Alex Albon, forming probably the most skilled and well-rounded line-ups on the grid. With a mixed whole of over 300 races below their belts, the duo brings a wealth of expertise to the staff.
Given these developments and Williams’ long-term plans, there isn’t a purpose why Sainz can’t be again on the rostrum by 2026, assuming the staff’s technique pays off and so they can proceed their progress in the direction of regaining competitiveness. The longer term may maintain thrilling potentialities for the Spaniard as Williams strives to return to the entrance of the grid.