Carlos Sainz's tenure at Ferrari, spanning from 2021 to 2024, has been a remarkable chapter in his Formula 1 career. Joining the iconic Scuderia as a proven talent, Sainz has experienced highs, lows, and moments of immense growth, leaving a lasting impact on the team and its legacy.
2021: A Strong Start
Sainz’s debut season with Ferrari in 2021 showcased his adaptability and consistency. Despite joining a team rebuilding after a challenging 2020 campaign, Sainz quickly found his footing alongside Charles Leclerc. Highlights included four podium finishes and a stellar second-place drive in Monaco. His ability to extract maximum points from the car helped Ferrari secure third in the Constructors' Championship, laying the foundation for future success.
2022: Breaking Through
The 2022 season saw Ferrari return to the front of the grid with a competitive car under the new technical regulations. Sainz achieved his maiden Formula 1 victory at the British Grand Prix, a testament to his perseverance and racecraft. While occasional strategic missteps from the team cost valuable points, Sainz consistently demonstrated his ability to challenge for podiums and compete with the best. His calm demeanor and technical feedback proved invaluable in Ferrari's push for competitiveness.
2023: Battling Adversity
In 2023, Ferrari faced stiff competition from Red Bull and Mercedes, but Sainz remained a pivotal player in the team’s efforts. His consistent points-scoring finishes and a memorable win in Singapore highlighted his skill and determination. Carlos was the only non Red Bull driver to win a race in the whole 2023 season, showing that he can outperform the car's performance on any given Sunday.
2024: The Evolution Continues
Sainz's final year with Ferrari in 2024 solidified his reputation as a resilient and adaptable driver. Partnering seamlessly with Leclerc, he helped Ferrari to second place in a tightly contested Constructors' Championship battle. Although he knew all year long that Lewis Hamilton was going to take his place, Carlos stayed professional all season and ended up with 2 wins and 9 podiums to show for it.
Carlos Sainz’s four years at Ferrari will be remembered as a period of steady growth, both for the driver and the team. His professionalism, technical insight, and ability to deliver under pressure cemented his status as one of the grid’s most reliable and respected talents. For Ferrari fans, his time in red remains a source of pride and gratitude. Carlos has more than done his part in bringing Ferrari back to the top of F1, but the question remains, will Ferrari regret their decision to let him go?
