Carlos Sainz breathed fresh life into Ferrari when he joined in 2021, quickly emerging as an accomplished and consistent contender for podium positions. His arrival marked an important turning point after an inauspicious 2020 campaign for Ferrari.
A New Chapter: Highlights of Carlos Sainz with Ferrari
Sainz’s move to Ferrari caused significant excitement even prior to its completion of 2020 F1. Ferrari selected Sainz as an interim replacement for Sebastian Vettel after his departure at the end of 2020; signalling their desire to strengthen their lineup alongside Leclerc by doing so.
During his four-year stint with Ferrari, Sainz not only achieved four remarkable wins but also landed on the podium 25 times, placing him among the top nine drivers in Ferrari’s storied 75-season history in F1 for most frequent podium finishes.
Sainz’s tenure with Ferrari saw him grow significantly as a driver, contributing to the team’s consistent top-three finishes in the constructors’ standings each year he was with them.
2021: Laying the Groundwork for Success
In 2021, Sainz made an immediate impact at Ferrari, forging a strong bond with teammate Leclerc and achieving consistent points finishes, including four podium appearances. His efforts played a pivotal role in Ferrari’s resurgence to third in the constructors’ standings.
2022: Competing at the Front
2022 presented Sainz with his first taste of driving a truly competitive car, challenging for wins but also learning from the pressures that come with racing at the front. Despite some setbacks, he celebrated his maiden F1 victory at Silverstone, proving his mettle as a race winner.
2023: Consistency and Memorable Victories
The 2023 season highlighted Sainz’s adaptability, achieving another significant win in Singapore and consistently battling at the sharp end of the grid, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and resilient competitor.
2024: A Pivotal Role in Ferrari’s Title Ambitions
Knowing it would be his last season with Ferrari, Sainz didn’t hold back. He delivered strong performances throughout the year, contributing significantly to Ferrari’s title challenge and securing a place in the team’s illustrious history.
Sainz’s journey with Ferrari marked one of growth, resilience, and success. When he bid farewell – earning both fans’ appreciation and earning himself the respect and admiration of many around the globe in return – his contributions over many years solidified their place as essential elements in team history and earned respect among team colleagues alike.
As Sainz embarked upon new challenges, his time at Ferrari will always be remembered fondly due to the passion and devotion that he showed towards this team, leaving an indelible mark in its F1 legacy.