Carlos Sainz Reflects on Unforgettable Moments with Ferrari

As Carlos Sainz’s time with Ferrari comes to an end, the Spanish driver looks back at some of the most unforgettable moments that defined his four-year stint with the legendary Italian team. Sainz, who joined Ferrari in 2021, has had an impressive career with the squad, replacing Sebastian Vettel alongside teammate Charles Leclerc. During his time with the Scuderia, he achieved four race wins, six pole positions, and 25 podium finishes, establishing himself as a key figure within the team.

Sainz recently reflected on his time at Ferrari, acknowledging how challenging it is to pick just one memorable victory. “It’s very difficult to pick one of the four wins [as the most unforgettable], because they are all relatively similar in ways that they are… Four very different wins, but four very emotional,” Sainz shared in his final moments with Ferrari during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.

Sainz’s Four Iconic Victories with Ferrari

Each of Sainz’s four victories has a special place in his heart, as each race represented a unique and emotional milestone in his career. His first-ever win with Ferrari in Silverstone (2022) remains one of the most significant moments of his career, as he became the first Spanish driver to win for Ferrari since Fernando Alonso in 2013. He admitted that the first win is something “you never forget,” and it will forever hold a special place in his memory.

In Singapore (2023), Sainz secured another emotional victory. The win came during a tough season for the team, but Sainz was able to overcome the challenges and emerge victorious in the streets of Singapore, where Ferrari’s triumph was much-needed. The victory felt incredibly significant due to the circumstances surrounding it, which made it even more rewarding.

The Australia 2024 race also holds deep meaning for Sainz. The win came after a tough winter filled with health challenges, including a battle with appendicitis. His recovery and subsequent win showcased his resilience and determination, making the victory all the more emotional for him.

But one of Sainz’s most heartfelt wins came in Mexico. At that point, the victory could have been his last with Ferrari, and having his family and friends in attendance made the win even more special. He emphasized how meaningful it was to share the moment with his loved ones and experience the Mexican Grand Prix in such an emotional and significant way.

A Special First Moment with Ferrari

While his race wins were undoubtedly significant, Sainz also reflected on the emotional impact of his first-ever Ferrari outing. “Driving out of the pits in Fiorano for my first outing in a Ferrari will stay with me forever,” he explained. For Sainz, this moment surpassed even the triumphs on track. It represented the culmination of years of hard work, ambition, and a dream come true for a driver with aspirations to race for one of the sport’s most iconic teams.

Challenges and the Tough 2024 Season

Despite the many memorable moments during his time with Ferrari, 2024 wasn’t always easy for Sainz. The uncertainty about his future with the team weighed heavily on him, especially as rumors of Lewis Hamilton replacing him in 2025 surfaced. The stress from these internal dynamics and the challenges of the season caused emotional strain, but Sainz expressed pride in how he managed to handle the pressures and finish the season strong.

“I think I have to be quite happy, quite proud of how I handled every situation through the year,” he admitted, adding that despite the tough circumstances, he was “still in good shape, in good form” and ready to fight for the Constructors’ Championship in the final stretch of the season.

Sainz’s Transition to Williams

Looking ahead, Sainz will continue his career in 2025 with Williams, as Ferrari has opted to bring in Lewis Hamilton to replace him. Despite the bittersweet end to his Ferrari journey, Sainz is grateful for the opportunity to race with such a prestigious team. His achievements during his time with Ferrari will remain an essential part of his career, and he will take those experiences with him as he embarks on a new chapter with Williams.

Although his tenure at Ferrari was short-lived, Sainz’s time with the team was filled with remarkable victories, unforgettable moments, and memories that will stay with him throughout his career. As he transitions to the next phase of his Formula 1 journey, Sainz’s legacy at Ferrari will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.