Carlos Sainz has been “amazing all season” in the way he has approached his final year at Ferrari, according to team principal Fred Vasseur.
Ferrari have signed Lewis Hamilton to drive for the team from 2025, with the transfer announcement coming ahead of the 2024 season. It meant Sainz knew he would be replaced but still had a year to race for Ferrari, and Vasseur was full of praise for the way the Spaniard handled the situation to keep the team moving forward.
“You know we’re always trying to think about what’s next in our business, and today we have focused employees in our factories. [in Abu Dhabi] When it comes to strategy, some people are working towards 2025, while others are working towards 2026. [never ending] Situation — You don’t finish something one day and start it another day.
“I asked everyone, at least in orbit, to focus on 2024 until the end. I asked Carlos the same question at the beginning of the season and I think we did very well and he did very well. He’s been amazing all season. It was the same when discussing [his future] With other teams. He was very professional, dedicated and did a great job.”
Vasseur said he had quickly turned his attention to the 2025 season after overcoming the disappointment of missing out on the Constructors’ Championship in the final race in Abu Dhabi last weekend.
“It is true that we are trying to put 2024 somewhere [behind me] And when we think about next year, I think we have a good opportunity. We are making progress overall and the atmosphere is good. I think there’s a feeling within the team that we can all do better, including myself. This is very important if you want to progress.”
Sainz was released by Ferrari earlier this week to take part in new team Williams’ post-season testing at Yas Marina Circuit, but the Scuderia will have to wait a little longer before he runs Hamilton for the first time as he participates. Various farewell events for Mercedes and its sponsors.
