Sainz ends Ferrari journey with emotional podium in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI: Carlos Sainz bid farewell to Ferrari in a poignant finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing a podium finish in his last race for the Italian team. The Spaniard finished second behind his former McLaren teammate Lando Norris, with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc completing the podium in third place.
Speaking to reporters after the race, Sainz admitted to grappling with bittersweet emotions throughout the weekend. “It hasn’t been an easy weekend for me, obviously, knowing it was the last one,” he said. “I did the best I could to stay focused and to do the maximum that the car could do today, I think.”
The four-time race winner, who claimed two victories this season, reflected on his emotional journey during the weekend. “Maybe it was in the helmet. Maybe it was in the 10 minutes prior to a race when I was in the car. Maybe it was the in-lap. Maybe you’ll never know,” he remarked, hinting at the personal moments where the gravity of the occasion hit hardest.
After four seasons with Ferrari, Sainz is set to embark on a new chapter of his career with Williams, starting with testing on Tuesday. His departure clears the path for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to join Ferrari next season.(Reuters)
