Carlos Sainz took his first Pole Position in over a year in convincing fashion at Mexico City. The Spaniard is pleased to be fighting for wins this year – although he admits that leaving Ferrari as the team fights for titles is tough to swallow.
Ferrari are the team to beat
Ferrari have gone from strength to strength in recent seasons. Thanks to the upgrades introduced in Monza, the Italian outfit is legitimately contending for this year’s constructors title.
The SF-24 is no longer the unpredictable car that it became during mid-season, now providing Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc with a reliable platform to build upon.
There is a realistic chance for Fred Vasseur’s team to overtake Red Bull and McLaren before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Carlos Sainz reflects on leaving the team
However, the best could be yet to come for Ferrari – who are in position to fight for both titles in 2025. Aware of this, Carlos Sainz admits that leaving the Scuderia is not easy to process:
“Bittersweet, because it gives me a feeling Ferrari might be in the fight for the World Championship next year and I will not be there to use it.
“And I feel like I’ve been quite a big part of this team during the last four years trying to prepare the team to fight for that championship next year.
“And the fact that I’m driving well, being fast with the car and I’m living in five races is definitely leaves me a bit…
“I don’t know how to say it, but not with a very good feeling. But it’s what it is.
“I’m going to try and, as I’ve said, win more races, stand on the podium for as long as I can during these five races and enjoy that.
“And then we will think about next year.”
It would be unfair to suggest there is nothing to be excited about at Williams. The Grove-based team is progressing well this season, with James Vowles setting strong foundations to elevate his squad once the 2026 regulations arrive.
Still, there can be no denying that Ferrari are several steps ahead of Williams – and Carlos Sainz cannot be certain he will be in Championship-contending machinery after this season.
