Carlos Sainz’s 2024 Formula 1 season was one of grit, recovery, and significant highs, though it ultimately marked the end of his Ferrari journey. The year began with Ferrari’s announcement that Lewis Hamilton would take his seat in 2025, a decision that cast a shadow over Sainz’s season but also seemed to fuel his determination. Despite this looming career change, Sainz produced one of his strongest campaigns, finishing fifth in the Drivers’ Championship with two victories, nine podiums, and only three non-scoring finishes.
A stellar start in Bahrain and triumph in Australia
Carlos Sainz began the year on a high note, securing a podium in Bahrain. His performance was characterised by aggressive overtaking moves, including a key pass on teammate Charles Leclerc [who had braking issues] and George Russell, to finish third, just shy of challenging Sergio Pérez. However, just as his momentum was building, Sainz was struck by appendicitis, forcing him to miss the Saudi Arabian GP entirely.
In true Sainz fashion, he returned stronger than ever at the Australian GP. Despite lingering physical discomfort from surgery, Sainz delivered what many considered the performance of the season. He qualified just behind Max Verstappen and managed to pass the Red Bull driver that was suffering brake issues. Sainz’s controlled drive in Melbourne showcased his adaptability and mental fortitude, as he not only secured his first win of the season but did so under challenging personal circumstances.
Mid-season struggles and redemption
After a fiery start, Sainz experienced a slump in form. During a six-race stretch between China and Spain, he consistently finished behind Leclerc, and his Canadian GP weekend was a low point. A qualifying mishap left him outside the top 10, and a race-ending spin in damp conditions took out Williams’ Alexander Albon, sparking criticism from fans and media alike. The pressure of competing against a seven-time world champion like Hamilton, who was set to replace him, only added to the tension.
Nevertheless, Sainz rebounded mid-season. A strong showing in Barcelona saw him secure sixth place in his home Grand Prix, laying the groundwork for a resurgent run. His podium in Austria marked a turning point, and his gritty fifth-place finish at Silverstone, overshadowed by drama further up the field, underlined his consistency and speed. Heading into the summer break, Sainz showed signs of regaining his early-season form, even as Ferrari’s pace lagged behind their rivals.
Triumph in Mexico
One of Sainz’s most impressive moments came at the Mexican GP, where he delivered a commanding win.
Sainz described his victory in Mexico as an “extremely emotional” moment in one of his last outings for Ferrari. Starting from pole, he initially lost the lead to Max Verstappen but capitalized on a Safety Car caused by a collision further down the grid. After the restart, Sainz decisively overtook Verstappen on Lap 9 to reclaim the lead. Ferrari executed a 1-2 strategy early on, with Charles Leclerc also passing Verstappen.
Sainz dominated the race from that point, maintaining the lead and pulling away unchallenged. Despite Lando Norris splitting the Ferrari duo late in the race, Sainz’s victory marked a significant milestone, keeping Ferrari within striking distance of Red Bull and McLaren in the Constructors’ standings.
Tension within the team
However, Sainz’s tenure at Ferrari was not without controversy. Throughout the season, tensions with teammate Charles Leclerc reached new heights. Sainz’s refusal to follow team orders during the Las Vegas GP was a flashpoint, leading to Leclerc’s frustrated outburst on the team radio. While this independence demonstrated Sainz’s competitive spirit, it also highlighted Ferrari’s struggles to manage its driver pairing effectively.
The Las Vegas GP highlighted Ferrari’s internal struggles. Despite securing P3 and P4 finishes, both Sainz and Ferrari expressed disappointment at not being able to challenge for victory. Sainz admitted:
“No one was happy with the outcome of that race. We thought before Sunday…that we could actually win it. And probably all that disappointment…started to build through the race.”
Ferrari faced execution issues during the chaotic race. A miscommunication over pit strategy led to a tense moment between Sainz and Charles Leclerc, with Sainz disregarding team orders to overtake his teammate and secure third place. This move sparked frustration from Leclerc, who criticized Sainz over the radio for his lack of respect.
Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur described the final stint as a moment of “chaos,” but post-race discussions allowed the team to turn the page. Sainz confirmed:
“We’ve learned our lessons…and managed to do a good job to conclude and to turn the page.”
Relationship with Leclerc
Sainz and Leclerc’s professional relationship endured both highs and lows, particularly under Ferrari’s high-pressure environment. Sainz noted the natural competitiveness between them, stemming from their closely matched pace:
“Unfortunately—or fortunately for the team—we’re always in the same point on the track…and having our little issues here and there.”
However, both drivers consistently reaffirmed their strong personal bond, with Leclerc describing their relationship as “really good” and highlighting the mutual respect they share. Reflecting on his time with Leclerc, Sainz said:
“He’s one of those guys that I know in the future, when I’m not in Formula 1, I’ll look back and say I’m glad I met him…and I’ve enjoyed every single moment with him.”
The final race
Sainz ended his Ferrari career on a high note at the Abu Dhabi GP, finishing second in a race that crowned McLaren as Constructors’ Champions. Starting from P3, Carlos Sainz gained a position early on after a collision between Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. He held P2 throughout the race, holding off Pierre Gasly and George Russell on lap one but could not close the gap to race leader Lando Norris. Norris ultimately won, finishing 5.832 seconds ahead, but Sainz’s efforts helped Ferrari retain second in the Constructors Championship.
The move to Williams
With his move to Williams confirmed for 2025, Carlos Sainz faces a new challenge with a team looking to rebuild its legacy. Despite the emotional weight of leaving Ferrari, Sainz’s performances in 2024 proved that he remains one of the grid’s most reliable and versatile drivers. His ability to bounce back, deliver under pressure, and consistently fight at the front ensured that he departed Ferrari with his head held high.
