Ferrari team principal, Fréd Vasseur, had been clear about the team’s approach to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, stating they would battle McLaren until the last corner of the final race. A message that the Scuderia understood perfectly, as Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc did everything they could to beat McLaren over the 58 laps of the Yas Marina GP, trying to capitalize on the mistakes of the Woking team, such as Oscar Piastri’s crash at the start. However, their efforts were in vain, as the speed of McLaren’s surviving Lando Norris car prevented Ferrari from overturning the situation in the Constructors’ standings.
A positive 2024 for everyone
Despite the necessary success not arriving, Ferrari can look back with satisfaction at the final race of the year, given how they responded to difficulties and the tenacity they showed. They can also view the entire 2024 season positively, for the car’s growth, the reaction post-2023, overcoming challenges, and fighting with other top teams until the end, as they haven’t done in years. With this context, Maranello looks forward with confidence to 2025, a year in which Hamilton and Leclerc will try to challenge for the championship. A 2024 ending with a double podium, with Sainz second in his farewell and Leclerc third after a remarkable comeback. A race full of emotions, including the message from Sainz on the team radio during the cool-down lap: a short message in which he thanked the team and pledged eternal love to Ferrari. “Thank you Ferrari, it’s been a pleasure racing for you. Forza Ferrari always,” the emotional words from the Spaniard.
Sainz at Williams: a forced choice… due to an important name
A moment that, along with the podium, marked the end of his adventure in red, as Carlos has already officially begun his new life as a Williams driver, testing with the Grove team at the end-of-year tests. This podium was shared with his two most recent teammates: Charles Leclerc, at Ferrari, and Lando Norris, at McLaren. In the press conference, they both shared their thoughts on Sainz’s move to England (which was forced due to Ferrari’s signing of Lewis Hamilton), a move that could steadily push the Spaniard away from the top positions on the grid. A move with no choice, in fact, that does not reflect Carlos’ value as a driver, dictated by the will (or perhaps a whim, depending on how the phrase is interpreted) of the most important name in the entire F1 paddock, Lewis Hamilton, to secure Sainz’s coveted Ferrari seat. This is the view of Lando Norris, who did not hold back a jab at the seven-time world champion.
“He will rise again, Williams has improved. They haven’t had experienced drivers. Carlos will definitely bring an extra boost and help the team progress. I’m sure Williams will make a step forward next year. In 2026, anything can happen: Williams could suddenly be at the top. We’ll have to wait. It’s a shame, Carlos has shown a lot in F1 to deserve a top seat. He deserves to fight for titles. He’s in this situation not due to a lack of talent, it’s only happened because the most important name in F1 wanted his seat.”
Leave a Reply