Carlos Sainz reveals why he felt 'extra pressure' ahead of Mexican GP victory
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Former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz's immediate future in Formula 1 looks uncertain, with his upcoming move to Williams in 2025 likely preventing him from contending for more race wins in the near term.
The four-time Grand Prix winner has left the Italian side at a time when the team is reaching its peak, just after a season where they narrowly missed out on the Constructors’ Championship by a mere 14 points.
In his final season with Ferrari, Carlos Sainz clinched two victories, including a memorable triumph at the Australian Grand Prix. This victory was particularly remarkable, as it came just weeks after the Spanish driver had undergone surgery for appendicitis, marking the first non-Red Bull win of the 2024 season.
By that time, it had already been confirmed that Lewis Hamilton would take over his seat, and Carlos Sainz took some time to evaluate his next move before committing to Williams.
Lando Norris, reflecting on Carlos Sainz's decision, believes the Spaniard has the potential to help transform Williams into a top contender. However, he acknowledged that this transformation will take time, with Williams focused on long-term development.
Team principal James Vowles has emphasized that the real goal for Williams is to be competitive starting in 2026, making Carlos Sainz's first year with the team more about familiarization and learning.
Despite being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz has expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that he feels stronger than Hamilton at this stage of their respective careers. With 2024 likely to be his last season in a competitive car for a while, Carlos Sainz was determined to seize any remaining opportunities for victory. After a missed chance at the United States Grand Prix, he feared his window for a win might be closing. However, with the Mexico City Grand Prix presenting a final opportunity, he placed additional pressure on himself to succeed – and it paid off with one last victory in Ferrari red.
Carlos Sainz admitted that he initially felt the United States Grand Prix might be his last chance to win a race. However, after considering his options, he thought that the Mexico City Grand Prix could provide another opportunity. He believed that the car could perform well and give him another shot at victory. Sainz acknowledged that he placed extra pressure on himself, which he felt intensely throughout the weekend, from Friday to Sunday. He felt that this added pressure helped him maintain that extra edge, ultimately leading to one of his most beautiful wins.
Could Carlos Sainz return to Ferrari to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2027?
With a two-year contract in place, there's no certainty that Hamilton will remain on the grid beyond 2026. If he shows signs of decline or fails to regain his former form, he could face retirement without achieving a record eighth Drivers' Championship. Finding a replacement for him might be straightforward if Oliver Bearman performs well in his first few seasons with Haas, but he may need more time to mature before being ready for the top seat.
In that case, Carlos Sainz would be the logical option for the Italian team, as he already knows how the team operates and understands the car's dynamics. Certainly, if Williams fails to make any significant progress in the midfield next season, the 30-year-old Spaniard might be considering other options for the future.
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