Carlos Sainz received a heartfelt send-off at Fiorano during his final days with Ferrari, having the opportunity to drive his race-winning F1 75 from the 2022 season for one last time. The Spanish driver participated in the day session alongside his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., who was also given the chance to drive the second F1 75. This marked only the second time that the two-time World Rally Champion had driven an F1 car, with Ferrari allowing the senior Sainz to share the track with his son. Despite spinning on one of his runs, Ferrari noted that he quickly adapted and delivered consistent lap times.
Although this farewell was not the fairytale ending Carlos Sainz and Ferrari had hoped for, following a narrow miss in the Constructors’ Championship in the final round of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there was still a memorable gesture awaiting the Spanish driver. According to Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Maranello team planned to surprise him with a parting gift.
Carlos Sainz to Receive F1 75 as ‘Surprise Gift’ from Ferrari
It is not uncommon for drivers to negotiate in their contracts for the chance to keep a car as a gift from the team, often linked to a championship win or their first race victory. Esteban Ocon, for example, received a similar gift earlier in the year when Alpine delivered the car he used to win the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix to his home.
In the case of the future Williams driver, Ferrari granted him the F1 75 as a farewell gift, which arrived at his home after four years of dedicated service with the team. Though this car was not stipulated in his contract, it will now reside alongside other Ferrari supercars in Carlos Sainz’s Madrid garage. Despite the unexpected departure, Carlos Sainz fully understands Ferrari’s decision to replace him for the 2025 Formula One season. There had been some debate about whether he was unfairly overlooked, considering his strong performances in a car capable of competing for wins but not always consistently delivering them.
The Spaniard finished 51 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who will take his place at Ferrari next season, in the Drivers’ Championship. He also made a remarkable comeback after undergoing appendicitis surgery earlier in the season, securing victory at the Australian Grand Prix just weeks after the operation, which highlighted his dedication and resilience. Despite being one of the most skilled drivers on the grid, Carlos Sainz has now expressed that he fully understands why Ferrari has chosen to bring in Hamilton for the next chapter.
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