Red Bull makes a bold promise to Carlos Sainz after Ferrari farewell at Fiorano
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Carlos Sainz bid an emotional farewell to Ferrari on Tuesday, marking the end of a four-year chapter with the legendary Scuderia.
The Spaniard joined Ferrari at the start of the 2021 season after two years at McLaren, teaming up with Charles Leclerc to form a dynamic pairing. Together, they gradually elevated Ferrari's competitiveness, culminating in a near-miss for the Constructors' Championship this year, losing narrowly to Carlos Sainz's former team, McLaren.
With his departure set for the 2025 season, the Spaniard will make way for Lewis Hamilton. After spending a year knowing his time at Ferrari was coming to an end, the former McLaren man is now gearing up to race with Williams next season. Despite Williams’ challenging 2024 campaign, the pairing of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon is expected to become one of the strongest duos in the midfield. In recognition of his contributions, Ferrari honored Carlos Sainz with a unique farewell at their Fiorano test track, where he was joined by his father, rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr.
A Sentimental Farewell at Fiorano
In what could be his last time driving a Ferrari F1 car, Carlos Sainz participated in a private testing session on Tuesday. He drove multiple Ferrari models, while his father had the opportunity to take the wheel of the car in which Sainz Jr. achieved his first Grand Prix victory. The event was undoubtedly a heartfelt and memorable moment for the Sainz family.
Such a gesture is rare for a departing driver, but Carlos Sainz Sr. is far from an ordinary parent. The 62-year-old is a motorsport icon in his own right, having won the World Rally Championship twice and most recently claiming victory in the Dakar Rally this year with the Red Bull Desert Wings team.
Though former F1 driver David Coulthard speculated that Carlos Sainz might one day return to Ferrari, this farewell could signify the closing of a significant chapter in his career. Sainz reflected on the day's events through an Instagram post, capturing the poignancy of his final laps with Ferrari alongside his father: "Like son, like father!! Grazie @scuderiaferrari."
The Red Bull Desert Wings account responded to Carlos Sainz, stating: "After Dakar, we'll return the favour. See you soon in the desert Carlos Jr."
Carlos Sainz heads into the 2025 F1 season with Williams determined to make his mark
When the grid assembles for the season opener in Australia this March, few drivers will have as much to prove as Carlos Sainz.
Despite his move to Williams, the team’s focus on long-term goals under James Vowles’ leadership may mean that 2025 is treated as a transitional year, with greater emphasis placed on preparing for the major regulation changes set for 2026. For Sainz, however, this approach could represent an opportunity to build a strong foundation for future success.
Sainz undoubtedly understands the challenges of bridging the gap between Williams and the likes of Ferrari or McLaren during the off-season. Yet, the team’s proven Mercedes power units, coupled with McLaren’s example of achieving a Constructors' Championship as a customer team, provide reasons for cautious optimism.
At the same time, much of the spotlight will remain on Ferrari, where Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation to life at F1's most legendary team will be closely scrutinized. Should Hamilton find himself struggling to keep pace with Charles Leclerc, it could only serve to further elevate Sainz's standing in the paddock and among fans alike.
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