Double Podium Marks End of Sainz-Leclerc Ferrari Era

Sainz and Leclerc express bittersweet emotions as Ferrari falls short, ending their four-season partnership with a final double podium.

Carlos Sainz finished second in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, battling throughout the race against winner Lando Norris. The Spanish driver ends four seasons with the Scuderia on a podium, but the Constructors’ title slipped away for the Maranello team.

“It’s a bit of a bitter feeling because second place was the best we could achieve given Lando’s and McLaren’s pace. I gave it my all, especially in the first stint where we managed to stay close to him, but once we switched to hard tires, he was about two-tenths faster per lap throughout the weekend, and out of reach,” Sainz said.

“Congratulations, first of all, to McLaren; they deserve this Constructors’ title, they were solid. On our side, it’s been incredible, and we can be proud of the season we’ve had,” Sainz continued, also admitting he felt emotional as he reached the end of his journey with Ferrari.

“It’s emotional—the cool-down lap with my engineer was, too—but it’s been an incredible four seasons. I was able to win my first race, fight for victories and podiums, and I will try with Williams to return to where we need to be together.”

Charles Leclerc was deeply disappointed at the finish, having hoped until the end to turn the situation around. The Monegasque climbed from 19th at the start to third at the finish, gaining 11 places on the opening lap.

“I knew I had to be aggressive to gain as many places as possible and position myself well for the rest of the race. It worked, but we started too far back to achieve more than we did. We gave it everything, but it hurts because it was so close until the end. We had a penalty on Friday, but we tried everything,” said Leclerc, who is already hoping for redemption next year.

“I really hope so. If you look at the first part of the season, we were far from fighting for the Constructors’ title. In the second half, the team did a great job, and Carlos and I worked very well together. We’re finishing strong, and next year, we’ll try to start just as strong.”

Asked about Lewis Hamilton joining next year, Leclerc expressed excitement but also reflected on what he accomplished with Sainz: “Of course, Lewis has achieved so much in the sport, and it will be a great motivation. But right now, I’m thinking about the past and the season that has just ended.”

“I’m thinking about these four years with Carlos. We pushed each other, and I had hoped we could finish these four years with the Constructors’ title, but it’s disappointing. I’ll take four or five days to reset and start focusing on next year.”