Carlos Sainz Embraces His Final Ferrari F1 Podiums Before 2025 Shake-up
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, few things are more cherished than a podium finish. Carlos Sainz, a driver known for his resilience and tactical prowess, is savoring every moment he stands on the podium in the 2024 season. With the knowledge that his time with Ferrari is drawing to an end, and the uncertainty of what 2025 holds, these experiences have become even more precious to the Spanish driver.
The Austrian Grand Prix was a testament to Sainz's skill and determination. Taking advantage of a late-race clash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, Sainz clinched his fifth podium of the season. Earlier in March, he delighted fans with a memorable win in Australia. Despite the triumphs, Sainz is keenly aware that Ferrari's plans to replace him with Lewis Hamilton in 2025 signal a significant turning point in his career.
With limited options at the top-end teams, Sainz is contemplating a future with Alpine, Sauber, or Williams—teams that might not offer the same podium opportunities as Ferrari. The realization has driven him to appreciate each win and podium this season even more. Sainz remarked on the podium in Austria, 'I’m going to give everything and enjoy these opportunities and these moments like today in the podium.'
Sainz's pragmatic approach to the remainder of the 2024 season is evident. When questioned about his rivalry with teammate Charles Leclerc, Sainz was clear that his focus is not on the championship standings. 'Since I missed the race in Jeddah, I am trying not to focus on the championship standings because I’m competing with these guys having done a race less,' he explained. Instead, Sainz is directing his energy towards securing podiums, race wins, and unforgettable highlights.
As the season nears its conclusion, Sainz is caught in a whirlwind of speculation regarding his future. While a move to Williams seemed likely at one point, a last-minute entry by Alpine has added complexity to his decision-making process. This uncertainty has led to rumors that Williams might be exploring other candidates.
Nevertheless, Sainz remains calm and unpressured about his next move. 'As much as maybe there are some teams that are nervous or pressuring me, it’s time for me also to enjoy this moment of being on a podium,' he stated. He emphasized the importance of making a well-considered decision, 'It’s such an important decision for me also that I’m going to take all the time that I need to take it.'
Sainz's approach is one of deliberate patience. He understands the gravity of his choice and is committed to transparency and honesty with the teams vying for his talent. 'If there’s teams that cannot wait or are a bit impatient, yeah, I cannot do anything about it,' he said frankly. For Sainz, the future may be filled with questions, but his immediate focus is on savoring the present—every twist, every turn, every moment.
As the race calendar progresses, all eyes will remain on Carlos Sainz. His every move, every decision, and every podium will be analyzed and celebrated. One thing is clear: Sainz is committed to making his remaining time with Ferrari count, ensuring that each race is a tribute to his incredible journey in Formula 1.