Scuderia Ferrari came heartbreakingly close to breaking their 16-year championship drought at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but ultimately fell short.
Charles Leclerc delivered a remarkable performance, climbing from 19th on the grid to secure a podium finish. However, his heroics weren’t enough to clinch the constructors’ championship for Ferrari. Lando Norris dominated at the front, maintaining composure under pressure from Carlos Sainz to claim a well-earned victory.
As the season concludes, Carlos Sainz bids farewell to Ferrari, moving to Williams after four years with the Scuderia. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton is set to take Sainz’s place in 2026. With Ferrari’s competitive position, Sainz’s move raises the question: could this be his last podium for some time?
Charles Leclerc Reflects on Carlos Sainz’s Departure from Ferrari
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have shared four transformative years as teammates, working tirelessly to revive Ferrari from a midfield contender to a championship powerhouse. Their combined efforts have propelled the team to a point where their car outpaces Red Bull, a team that dominated with Max Verstappen claiming four consecutive drivers’ titles.
While Ferrari is poised for further success in 2025, the ultimate challenge will be dethroning McLaren, who have ascended just as impressively. Key moments, such as Charles Leclerc’s penalty at the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island or Carlos Sainz’s costly crash with Sergio Perez in Azerbaijan, will likely be scrutinized as decisive factors in the title race.
After the final race, Charles Leclerc expressed his mixed emotions over the radio. He wished Carlos Sainz success in his new chapter and conveyed disappointment that their journey together didn’t culminate in championship glory.
“I’m sorry that today wasn’t enough. It hurts a lot, I really wanted to win in Carlos’ last season with us. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him and I wish him the best.”
What lies ahead for Carlos Sainz with Williams in 2025 Formula 1 season?
Carlos Sainz steps into a Williams team that has endured a seven-year podium drought but has shown determination in closing the gap to its competitors.
Under the leadership of team principal James Vowles, a shrewd appointment that has already paid dividends, Williams has begun addressing long-standing infrastructure deficiencies. Vowles’ strategic vision and experience have provided the Grove-based team with a solid foundation from which to advance.
With Alex Albon remaining on board as a dependable and talented teammate, Williams now boasts a proven driver lineup as it looks to climb back into contention. The team’s ambitions are significant, but Vowles has tempered expectations for 2025, viewing it as a year to build experience and lay the groundwork ahead of the sweeping technical regulation changes set for 2026.
Though the journey is framed as a long-term project, the opportunity to lead Williams back to prominence is an enormous challenge—and one that represents the most demanding chapter of Sainz’s career. If he can guide the team to the front of the grid, it would mark an extraordinary achievement in Formula 1 history.
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