LECLERC: I WOULDN’T BE DRIVER I AM TODAY....

LECLERC: I WOULDN’T BE DRIVER I AM TODAY…. read more

Charles Leclerc recently expressed his gratitude towards Carlos Sainz, who was his teammate at Ferrari for the past four seasons, following the conclusion of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This race marked the end of their partnership, as Sainz will be moving to Williams in 2025, with Lewis Hamilton taking his place at Ferrari.

Throughout their time together at Ferrari, Sainz consistently challenged Leclerc, pushing him to improve as a driver. Leclerc openly praised Sainz’s incredible talent and the significant impact he had on his own development. He noted, “Carlos is so incredibly talented,” highlighting the various ways Sainz has helped him grow, particularly through his exceptional work ethic and discipline. Leclerc attributed much of their progress as a team over the years to Sainz’s contributions, stating, “If we have done such a step forward in a year and in these four years, it’s a big thanks to Carlos.”

Leclerc’s sentiments were echoed by Lando Norris, who predicted that Sainz would help elevate Williams’ performance moving forward. Leclerc agreed, lamenting the misfortunes that had prevented Sainz from securing a more competitive position in the past. He acknowledged Sainz’s speed and skill in Formula 1, saying, “He’s just been extremely quick.” Leclerc pointed out that luck plays a significant role in the sport, and he believes Sainz deserves a place in a top team. He expressed confidence that Sainz would eventually find himself back in a competitive seat, stating, “It’s just a matter of time before he comes back and joins us to fight for wins.”

Reflecting on their on-track encounters, Leclerc admitted he would miss the fierce battles they had during races. He appreciated the competitive spirit that pushed them both to excel, noting, “We’ve had our moments on track, but that’s only because we were fighting so close together.” Despite the occasional frustration that arose during those intense moments, Leclerc now looks back at their time together with fondness and positive memories. He emphasized that he wouldn’t be the driver he is today without Sainz’s influence during their four years as teammates.

Looking back, Leclerc described their partnership as a significant and rewarding experience. He stated, “It’s been a really big pleasure and four years that I will be looking back in the most positive way.” He extended his best wishes to Sainz as he embarks on this new chapter with Williams, expressing certainty about his future success. Leclerc concluded, “I have no doubts that he will be back at the top of the grid, whether it’s with Williams by his input or with someone else, but he deserves that.” His confidence in Sainz’s abilities reflects the mutual respect and camaraderie that developed between the two drivers during their time at Ferrari.

Overall, Leclerc’s reflections on his time with Sainz highlight the importance of teamwork and the impact that a strong teammate can have on a driver’s growth and performance. As Sainz transitions to Williams, both drivers will carry the lessons learned and the competitive spirit forged during their years together into their respective futures in Formula 1.