Carlos Sainz, a resilient F1 driver with a notable stint at Ferrari, shares his tumultuous 2024 journey. He opens up about the shock of Lewis Hamilton taking his seat and the physical and emotional pain from his appendicitis. Despite these setbacks, Sainz emerged victorious in Australia and Mexico, driving him towards an exciting new chapter with Williams. He discusses his goals with his new team, his thoughts on racing dynamics, and the importance of support in overcoming challenges, all while maintaining his passion for the sport.
Carlos Sainz navigated a challenging 2024 season characterized by personal struggles, including recovery from appendicitis and his subsequent triumphs on the track.
Sainz experienced a mix of emotions regarding his departure from Ferrari, particularly after learning that Lewis Hamilton would replace him in 2025.
Transitioning to Williams, Sainz expresses enthusiasm about the opportunity to help the team reclaim its competitive spirit and achieve podium finishes.
Deep dives
Carlos Sainz's Challenging Year
Carlos Sainz reflects on a tumultuous 2024 season filled with both personal and professional challenges. After undergoing an appendectomy in Saudi Arabia, he faced uncertainty about his ability to race in Australia just days later. Despite the physical pain and doubts, he managed to recover quickly and go on to win the Australian Grand Prix, showcasing resilience and determination. This experience left him feeling proud and contributed significantly to his growth both as a driver and an athlete.
Leaving Ferrari and Future Aspirations
Sainz discusses his departure from Ferrari as a mix of emotions, highlighting the shock of being replaced by Lewis Hamilton. Despite the disappointment, he acknowledges the need for understanding the team's decisions and expresses a desire to leave on good terms. As he transitions to Williams, he is motivated by the challenge of helping the team reclaim its competitive edge. Sainz is determined to leverage his experiences at Ferrari to contribute positively to Williams and pursue podium finishes.
Physical and Mental Resilience
Throughout the episode, Sainz emphasizes the importance of physical preparation and mental resilience in overcoming obstacles. His training adjustments and the support of his physiotherapists played a critical role in his recovery from surgery and subsequent performances on the track. He discusses the mental challenges he faced while racing, particularly the fear of crashing due to his injuries. Sainz expresses admiration for the human body's capacity to recover rapidly and highlights the psychological strength required to succeed in Formula One.
Team Dynamics and Relationships
Sainz shares insights about his relationship with Charles Leclerc during their time at Ferrari, emphasizing the clean competition and mutual respect between them. He notes the challenges of being teammates in such a high-stakes environment but reflects positively on their ability to collaborate and remain focused on the team's goals. The conversation also touches on his choice to join Williams because of the team's strong vision and commitment, led by team principal James Vowles. This shift demonstrates his desire to foster strong relationships that will be pivotal in moving forward in his career.
Looking Ahead to Williams
Discussing his future at Williams, Sainz expresses excitement about the potential he sees within the team. He recognizes that although the transition represents a step down from Ferrari, his passion for racing and competition remains intact. Sainz highlights his goal to help Williams develop into a competitive force once again, driven by the challenge of improving the team's performance. His confidence in joining a team of dedicated racers reflects his commitment to making a significant impact on Williams' trajectory in Formula One.
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2024 has been a turbulent year for Carlos Sainz.
It started with a shock: Lewis Hamilton would be replacing him at Ferrari in 2025. Then he missed a race with appendicitis. But the year is ending with multiple wins and podiums to look back on, and an exciting new challenge to look forward to with Williams next season.
Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Carlos talks about his feelings after finding out Hamilton was taking his seat, the pain he suffered after his operation and how he came back from those physical and emotional setbacks to take victories in Australia and Mexico, and secure his future in Formula 1.
As well as reflecting on a special four years with Ferrari, Sainz is also relishing his next chapter. What can he achieve with Williams? How does he rate new teammate Alex Albon? And will he cope with not fighting at the front of the grid?