Just in:Staggering Ferrari sale emerges as F1 star set for…….read more
Staggering Ferrari sale emerges as F1 star set for…….read more
In a surprising turn of events, Carlos Sainz has officially left Ferrari after a memorable four-season stint, during which he secured four race victories. The 30-year-old Spaniard is set to switch teams, marking the end of his time with the Maranello outfit. Sainz, who joined Ferrari in 2020, had established himself as a key driver for the team, but his departure opens the door for a new era at Ferrari. The team is reportedly replacing him with none other than seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who is leaving Mercedes in pursuit of an eighth title. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is seen as an attempt to further cement his legacy in Formula 1.
While Sainz’s time with Ferrari has come to a close, the transition hasn’t been without fanfare. As a farewell gesture, the Scuderia gave the Spanish driver two memorable gifts. The first was a special track day at Ferrari’s private Fiorano circuit, where Sainz and his father, rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr., had the chance to drive the F1-75. This was a significant moment for the elder Sainz, who had never driven an F1 car before. The F1-75, which had been the car that helped Sainz secure his first-ever F1 victory at the 2022 British Grand Prix, played a central role in his departure. Ferrari also gifted the car to Sainz as part of a tradition of giving departing drivers a memorable keepsake.
In addition to these farewell gestures, Sainz also marked his departure with a remarkable personal purchase. The Spaniard reportedly treated himself to a Ferrari Daytona SP3, adding a stunning piece to his car collection. The Daytona SP3 is one of Ferrari’s limited-edition models, with only 599 units ever built. It is part of Ferrari’s Icona series, which includes the SP1 and SP2 Monza models, and the SP3 represents the final car in this trilogy. Max Verstappen, another F1 star, is known to own an SP2, making it clear that the Daytona SP3 is a highly coveted vehicle among racing enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Sainz’s acquisition of the Ferrari Daytona SP3 has made headlines, as it highlights not only his passion for cars but also his lasting connection with the Ferrari brand. Although he is leaving the team, the special bond between Sainz and Ferrari appears to remain strong, and the Daytona SP3 will serve as a lasting reminder of his time with the legendary Italian manufacturer.
In the meantime, Sainz is preparing for his next chapter in Formula 1, which will see him join Williams. Earlier this month, he made his debut with the Grove-based team, participating in promotional filming and on-track testing. His switch to Williams comes at a time when the team is aiming to return to competitive form, and Sainz’s experience and talent are seen as key assets in helping them achieve their goals. Sainz’s decision to join Williams follows in the footsteps of other prominent drivers who have taken on new challenges at different teams throughout their careers.
As the F1 season progresses, the focus will shift to how Sainz performs with his new team and how Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will impact both teams. While Sainz’s departure from Ferrari is a significant moment in his career, his new chapter at Williams promises to be equally exciting for the driver and his fans.