Ferrari Tribute: Carlos Sainz’s father takes first laps in F1-75 at Fiorano. Carlos Sainz's father drove the F1-75 at Fiorano.

Carlos Sainz on the Ferrari F1-75 at Fiorano. But which of the two, father or son, started the tribute day that the Scuderia dedicated to the Spanish family? It was reasonable to think that it would be Carlos Jr., as he knows the car very well. However, the privilege went to his father, Carlos Sr., turbo…charged in the F1-75 cockpit, the car with which his son won his first career GP at Silverstone in 2022.

An introductory lap of the Fiorano circuit at very low speed on a cold but sunny day, followed by a lock-up with four smoking tires well before the correct braking point at the end of the straight. Carlos Sr. didn’t hesitate to slam his foot on the brake pedal, as he’s used to doing on Dakar buggies, but then he also got a feel for the F1.

A two-time rally world champion and winner of four editions of the Dakar (including the most recent with Audi), Carlos Sr. is certainly not intimidated by a single-seater: if anything, he’s captivated by the unique experience offered to him on the day his son wrapped up his four years at Maranello before moving to Williams.

Carlos Jr., still in Ferrari gear, before wearing the red suit for the last time and saying goodbye to the people in the Sports Management with whom he worked for four seasons, put on headphones to speak via radio with his father and accompany him in a test that will remain etched in the Madrid champion’s memory.

A man of great manners, friendly, likable, and communicative, until he puts on his helmet and lowers the visor: when Father Sainz returns to being a driver, he becomes a fury, like all champions who have left a mark in the history of motorsport. This time, he won’t be aiming for times or records. He’ll enjoy a very special day, a day Ferrari made him share with his son’s farewell. Both found themselves on the track with two F1-75s. Goosebumps, and not because of the cold…

i thought it was carlos in the car until i saw him walking behind it 😵‍💫 CARLOS SAINZ SR IS DRIVING IN A F1-75 pic.twitter.com/XwngBHKea6

— nyes (@SAINZLOVERS) December 17, 2024