Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s partnership at Ferrari has come to an end as the Spaniard exits the team to embark on a new challenge at Williams.
Sainz has been one of Leclerc’s most competitive teammates since joining F1, with the pair regularly within tenths of each other on track.
The pair went into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a chance of clinching Ferrari’s first Constructors’ Championship since 2008, having been separated by just 21 points from McLaren. After being forced to take a grid penalty, Leclerc made up for it with an ‘epic’ opening lap at the Yas Marina Circuit.
While they ultimately fell short by 14 points despite finishing in second and third place, the duo have had their most successful season together finishing 2024 with 652 points and five race wins.
Reflecting on their partnership together in the Abu Dhabi drivers’ press conference, Leclerc has explained how Sainz has helped him improve over the last four years.
Charles Leclerc explains how Carlos Sainz has helped him ‘improve in so many areas’ at Ferrari
Leclerc and Sainz’s partnership has been key to Ferrari’s recent success, with the Maranello squad proving in 2024 they are capable of developing a car in a positive trajectory.
While it might lead to some questioning why they will replace the Spaniard with Lewis Hamilton next year, Sainz understands 100% Ferrari’s decision to change their lineup.
There is still some work to be done, but Leclerc has credited Sainz for helping improve his work ethic having arrived in F1 rough around the edges in 2018.
“Carlos is so incredibly talented. He’s helped me to improve in so many areas, his work ethic, his talent, just everything he brings. The discipline he has, he’s been just such an incredible team-mate,” said Leclerc.
“If today we have done such a step forward in a year and in these four years, it’s a big thanks to Carlos. He’s just been extremely quick. And in Formula 1, as Lando said, some things you don’t really have explanations for. There’s also luck that is involved to be at the right place at the right time and Carlos definitely deserves to be in a top team.”
Nico Rosberg expects Charles Leclerc to beat Lewis Hamilton
Sainz will be replaced by seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton next year, in what is set to be a highly anticipated move.
Hamilton said his goodbyes to Mercedes in Abu Dhabi after spending the last 11 years with the team and achieving unrivalled success at the wheel of their cars.
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After a difficult season being out-raced by George Russell, there are questions over whether Hamilton can win against Leclerc.
Nico Rosberg has claimed Leclerc will likely top Hamilton in their first year, based on how well Russell has performed against him in their three years together.
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