BREAKING NEWS: Frederick Vasseur hails ‘mega professional’ Sainz as he…read more
Frederick Vasseur hails ‘mega professional’ Sainz as he…read more
Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari’s Team Principal, has expressed his deep admiration for Carlos Sainz ahead of the Spaniard’s upcoming move to Williams. Vasseur praised Sainz as a “mega professional” and acknowledged the significant impact Sainz has had during his time at Ferrari, stating that he holds “huge respect” for the driver.
Sainz, who joined Ferrari in 2021, is currently in the final stages of his stint with the Italian team. His departure was confirmed following the announcement that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will replace him as Charles Leclerc’s teammate from the 2024 season onwards. Sainz’s tenure at Ferrari has been marked by some of his most successful moments in Formula 1, including five pole positions and three Grand Prix victories. His most recent win was at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this season.
At the recent Italian Grand Prix in Monza, which marked Sainz’s last race on Italian soil as a Ferrari driver, Vasseur took the opportunity to reflect on the driver’s contributions to the team. He emphasized Sainz’s crucial role during challenging periods and highlighted his professionalism and dedication.
“I have huge respect for Carlos, for what he did for the team in the last years, but mainly the last two years with me [as team boss],” Vasseur said. “I can perfectly see what he did last year, mainly when we had trouble. He was able to push the team to come back with the pole in Monza and to win in Singapore. This pushed a little bit probably also Charles [Leclerc] to react, and he did [many] first rows [on the grid] in a row.”
Vasseur credited Sainz with playing a vital role in Ferrari’s recovery last season, particularly during a period when the team was struggling. He noted that Sainz’s determination and performances on track helped inspire the rest of the team to push forward, including his teammate Leclerc. Sainz’s efforts contributed to Ferrari securing pole positions and victories at critical moments, providing a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and competitive edge.
This season, despite the challenges that Ferrari has faced, Vasseur believes that Sainz has continued to perform at a high level. He praised Sainz for maintaining his focus and professionalism, even when the situation was difficult at the beginning of the year.
“I know perfectly that the situation was not easy at the beginning of the season, but he’s mega professional,” Vasseur continued. “We had a discussion last winter, and we agreed together to push until the last corner of the last lap [of the season], and he’s doing very well.”
As Sainz prepares to leave Ferrari, Vasseur expressed his desire to work with him again in the future if the opportunity arises. He acknowledged that the decision to replace Sainz with Hamilton was not an easy one but emphasized that he maintains a strong relationship with the Spanish driver.
“I’m more than pleased to have Carlos [in the team], and I will keep a very good relationship with him,” Vasseur added. “I would ‘for sure’ like to work with him again one day.”
Sainz’s impending move to Williams marks a new chapter in his Formula 1 career. While his time at Ferrari brought notable achievements, including victories and pole positions, it also involved navigating the complexities of a team striving to return to its former glory. Vasseur’s tribute to Sainz underscores the respect that the Ferrari leadership holds for the driver, recognizing his contributions both on and off the track.
With his departure from Ferrari, Sainz leaves behind a legacy of resilience and determination, qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well in his future endeavors at Williams and beyond. Vasseur’s comments suggest that while their paths are diverging for now, there remains a possibility that their professional journeys could intersect again in the future.
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