Sainz grappling with 'bittersweet' feelings amid Ferrari form
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Carlos Sainz admits that while Ferrari's improved performance and success have brought a sense of pride and accomplishment, they also carry a "bittersweet" undertone for the departing Spaniard.
Sainz has been an integral part of the Scuderia's rebuilding process, contributing significantly to the team's progress. However, his departure to Williams at the end of the season means that he won't be around next season to reap the rewards of the team's hard work.
Ferrari's resurgence comes after a challenging first half in 2024, and it has brought some notable successes.
Charles Leclerc secured a resounding home triumph at Monza in September and came close to winning in Baku. A poor qualifying in Singapore kept both drivers out of contention there, but Ferrari bounced back with a dominant 1-2 finish in Austin, led by the Monegasque.
Under team boss Fred Vasseur's guidance, Ferrari aimed to address its cultural and operational weaknesses, and the team's efforts are now started to pay off in terms of race pace and results.
However, Sainz, who joined the Scuderia from McLaren in 2021, will not be part of the Italian outfit to witness what could be a pivotal 2025 season. Instead, Ferrari has secured the services of Lewis Hamilton, leaving Sainz to sign with Williams.
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After taking his sixth career pole position in Mexico, Sainz was candid about his situation.
"It's very sweet, given how good the car is, how well I'm driving recently, obviously optimistic going into the last five races," he said after beating 2024's title protagonists Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, as well as Leclerc, in qualifying.
"At the same time, it's bittersweet because it gives me a feeling Ferrari might be in the fight for the world championship next year and I will not be there to use it."
©Ferrari
Reflecting on his time at Ferrari, Sainz expressed a sense of regret, of not outright sadness, about leaving just as the team is showing signs of competing for the top honors.
"I feel like I've been quite a big part of this team during the last four years trying to prepare the team to fight for that championship next year. And the fact that I'm driving well, being fast with the car and I'm leaving in five races, it definitely leaves me a bit… I don't know how to say it, but not with a very good feeling.
"But it is what it is. I'm going to try and win more races, stand on the podium for as long as I can during these five races and enjoy that. And then we will think about next year."
Looking ahead to Sunday's Mexico City Grand Prix, Sainz is all too aware of the challenge that awaits, with title contenders Max Verstappen and Lando Norris starting right behind him and likely snapping at his heed from the outset.
"Honestly, the start I will just do everything I can to stay in P1 because also around Mexico that's really important for the cooling of the car, for the tyres and everything," Sainz explained.
"So I'll do everything I can. But I say my focus is on the 0 to 100 and on the launch.
"Then everything else happening from then onwards… It depends, also, on how good my rivals start and all the instinctive decisions that we all take in the start.
"I'll trust my instincts and obviously with the intention of getting out of that corner P1 for sure"
While the future holds uncertainty, Sainz is committed to making the most of his remaining time with Ferrari by leaving a lasting on the team and departing on a high note, even as a bittersweet feeling lingers in the air.
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