Ferrari bid farewell to Carlos Sainz with an emotional non-public occasion in Maranello final Tuesday, marking the tip of their four-year partnership. The Italian workforce additionally welcomed the press for the standard Christmas luncheon to replicate on the previous season and talk about the upcoming one, which kicks off within the factories this January, aiming for each the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Frederic Vasseur took the chance to focus on the Spanish driver’s significance within the workforce’s growth.
Frederic Vasseur Organized Carlos Sainz’s Farewell; Charles Leclerc Attended
This yr has been family-centric for Ferrari. In Abu Dhabi, Charles Leclerc shared the observe with his brother Arthur throughout the first free follow session, with Arthur changing Carlos Sainz. On Tuesday, Fiorano hosted a proper farewell for Sainz, with an occasion personally orchestrated by Crew Principal Frederic Vasseur. The Frenchman organized a special day the place Carlos Sainz Sr and his son shared the observe, driving the F1-75. For the primary time in his life, Sainz Sr obtained behind the wheel of a Ferrari Components 1 automotive, sharing a poignant remaining second in purple along with his son.
The occasion was attended by workforce members who had labored alongside the Spaniard over the previous 4 years, together with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami. Frederic Vasseur was additionally current, together with Charles Leclerc, who attended voluntarily to spend time with Carlos Sainz one final time at Maranello and be a part of his farewell. Sainz Sr thanked Ferrari for the 4 years, changing into emotional, identical to his son, who bid farewell to the manufacturing unit workers after taking to the observe in Fiorano.
Frederic Vasseur: “Melbourne Was the Most Emotional Second of 2024; Sainz Was Skilled Till the Final Lap”
Through the Christmas luncheon in Maranello, Frederic Vasseur confirmed that the Fiorano laps have been Ferrari’s means of claiming goodbye to Carlos Sainz, along with his father additionally current. “I believe it was one of the simplest ways to thank them for every thing they’ve carried out for the workforce, together with Carlos Sainz Sr,” stated Fred Vasseur. The previous Renault and Alfa Romeo boss expressed gratitude to Carlos Sainz for his or her two seasons collectively, noting: “We had two nice seasons collectively, and I believe he had 4 nice seasons with Ferrari.”
Reflecting on latest seasons, Frederic Vasseur highlighted key moments, together with the 2023 victory. “For me, probably the most emotional second of all the season was Melbourne, the place he gained the race only a week after present process surgical procedure for appendicitis. Final yr, we had that nice constructive stretch after the summer season break with the pole place in Monza and the win in Singapore.” – the Ferrari workforce boss identified.
Discussing Carlos Sainz’s broader affect, Frederic Vasseur emphasised his contributions past race outcomes. “His enter was crucial for the workforce’s enchancment,” he acknowledged. He additionally praised Carlos Sainz’s professionalism, even after being knowledgeable of their parting methods earlier than the season started. “I do know it wasn’t a straightforward state of affairs for him once I needed to name him in February. Nevertheless it’s price noting how he managed to take care of a really skilled method all year long, totally dedicated to preventing till the final nook of the final lap of the ultimate race” – the French supervisor concluded.