Carlos Sainz explains how family upbringing has helped him handle difficult Ferrari situation

Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has revisited his departure from the Maranello team and how the upbringing from his family has helped him handle the situation.

It has been said and reiterated many times. No one expected Carlos Sainz to leave the Italian side, at least not before the 2026 Formula 1 championship. Many were certain of the Spaniard’s renewal (at least annually) with the Scuderia before a possible move to Audi.

However, that was not the case as Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur decided to seize the opportunity with Lewis Hamilton, effectively dismissing the former McLaren driver. Carlos Sainz has thus been on the lookout for a seat for the upcoming year, and options don’t seem to be lacking. From the possibility of Mercedes, with Toto Wolff waiting to see improvements from Kimi Antonelli, to Red Bull, with Helmut Marko not hiding his interest.

In the background, Audi remains with a contract that seems to be quite burdensome. Carlos Sainz has repeatedly stated that he has not yet made a decision, but the feeling is that an announcement may be imminent.

A hard blow to digest

Immediately after the announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, the son of the Racing legend commented on the news. “It was a hard blow for me,” were Carlos Sainz’s statements. “I felt quite confident about renewing with Ferrari. Nevertheless, I will still give my all for the team.”

His performances on the track are confirming this, as it was Carlos Sainz’s car, number 55, that secured Ferrari’s only victory in this very early part of the 2024 Formula 1 championship. Reflecting on his departure from the Maranello team, Carlos Sainz explained in an interview for the Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport his behavior following the official announcement. “It’s not a matter of style. It all comes from the upbringing I received from my family and the values I was raised with. But I wouldn’t talk about style; it’s a combination of things that leads me to be who I am, as natural as possible.” – the Spaniard explained.

Carlos Sainz, Ferrari