Carlos Sainz leaves Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season as a race winner and a key figure in restoring the team to its rightful place at the top of Formula 1. When he first joined Ferrari in 2021, the team was struggling in the midfield, failing to secure a single victory. Fast forward to 2024, and Carlos Sainz has not only delivered multiple race wins but has also been integral in pushing the team closer to championship contention. His efforts, alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, led Ferrari to a heartbreaking second-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, falling short by just 14 points to McLaren.
Ferrari’s stronger position now is a direct result of Carlos Sainz’s hard work, marking him as a pivotal figure in rejuvenating the team. His success at Ferrari is the latest chapter in a career where he has consistently helped elevate teams to the front of the grid, making it the second top-tier team he’s played a major role in restoring to prominence.
This is one of the reasons why Lando Norris confidently told Williams that Carlos Sainz’s arrival in 2025 would transform them into a top team. Over the past five years, Carlos Sainz has played a crucial part in the rise of the sport’s fastest teams, showing his ability to build and lead competitive squads.
In 2025, Lewis Hamilton will replace the Spanish driver at the Maranello team, joining from Mercedes in a move that surprised many, as some question whether the seven-time world champion’s best years are behind him. However, Carlos Sainz’s departure marks the end of a chapter that has seen him bring Ferrari back to prominence.
Carlos Sainz’s journey in 2024 included a major challenge ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, when doubts clouded his confidence following a difficult period. Just weeks after it was confirmed that Hamilton would take his seat for 2025, the Spanish driver faced a health setback during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Spaniard fell ill, undergoing surgery to remove his appendix, which left him sidelined and replaced by rising star Oliver Bearman. The Ferrari junior made history by becoming the youngest point-scorer in Ferrari’s history during Carlos Sainz’s absence.
Despite still recovering from surgery, Carlos Sainz made a remarkable comeback in Australia, facing not just physical discomfort but also the overwhelming dominance of Red Bull, who had been winning with ease. However, the Spaniard defied the odds and clinched a stunning victory after Max Verstappen’s early retirement. Reflecting on the win, Carlos Sainz described the moment as particularly special, considering the challenging circumstances he had faced. It was a testament to his resilience and determination, marking a significant highlight in his Ferrari career.
“I think what makes the Australian Grand Prix win special, is with what happened the two weeks before you know, coming from the appendix surgery, the unknown of whether I was going to race,” – the new Williams driver pointed out – “Suddenly going from those full doubts to winning the race in the way I won it, was an incredible win.” – he continued.
How soon will Carlos Sainz find himself back on an F1 podium?
Carlos Sainz is now set to join a Williams team that has only seen the podium once in the past seven seasons, thanks to a fortunate result during the stormy 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, where George Russell took advantage of the conditions. To put it plainly, the team needs near-miraculous circumstances to replicate that achievement, and it may be some time before Sainz, with his four race wins to his name, gets close to the podium again.
The Grove-based squad has made it clear that their primary focus is on the 2026 F1 regulations, with plans to completely revamp their approach and begin a new era of competitiveness. Under the leadership of team principal James Vowles, Williams has been working diligently to enhance its infrastructure, making significant investments with the goal of becoming a serious contender once more. This transformation is essential for them to compete at the highest levels again.
In the meantime, the Spaniard will team up with Alex Albon, forming one of the most experienced and well-rounded line-ups on the grid. With a combined total of over 300 races under their belts, the duo brings a wealth of experience to the team.
Given these developments and Williams’ long-term plans, there is no reason why Sainz can’t be back on the podium by 2026, assuming the team’s strategy pays off and they can continue their progress towards regaining competitiveness. The future could hold exciting possibilities for the Spaniard as Williams strives to return to the front of the grid.
Leave a Reply