Carlos Sainz Opens Up About Ferrari Experience: “Not Everything Is Roses and Perfect”

Carlos Sainz has shared candid insights into his time as a Ferrari driver, revealing that while it’s been an extraordinary experience, it has its challenges. Ferrari is renowned for being one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history, with a legacy that has earned them a massive following. However, this also comes with immense pressure and scrutiny.

The Special Experience of Driving for Ferrari

For Sainz, driving for Ferrari has been a “very special experience” that he’s enjoyed immensely, but it’s not without its difficulties. He acknowledged that the unique expectations of driving for the Scuderia Ferrari team come with their fair share of stress. Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Sainz reflected on his journey:

“It’s something very different to anything I’ve felt before,” he explained. “Even if I try to explain it, I don’t think I can. It’s tough to put into words, but I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it.” Despite the excitement and prestige of representing Ferrari, Sainz did not shy away from admitting that not everything about the experience is “roses and perfect.”

The Pressure of Being a Ferrari Driver

As one of Formula 1’s oldest and most successful teams, Ferrari carries a significant weight of expectations, with their fanbase – the iconic tifosi – offering unwavering support. This global loyalty to the Scuderia is something Sainz appreciates deeply, calling it “special” knowing that Ferrari fans are present at every race, making it feel like a “home Grand Prix” wherever they go. The Ferrari team, while perhaps not always the fastest, boasts a passionate and dedicated fanbase that shows up in force at every event.

However, this level of admiration and attention doesn’t come without its pressures. Ferrari’s status as Italy’s national team in motorsport means that the team is constantly in the spotlight, and every race is scrutinized closely. This has its downside, as the expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming, and the tension of constantly being under a magnifying glass can take its toll.

Sainz, who will be departing Ferrari at the end of 2024 for Williams, hinted that there are some aspects of being a Ferrari driver that are tough, though he kept specifics under wraps. He did not wish to dive into the negatives during the interview, instead opting to focus on the positive side of the experience.

Looking Ahead to Williams

Though his time at Ferrari is coming to an end, Sainz remains focused on the future. He has signed a multi-year deal with Williams for the upcoming seasons, looking to help the team return to the front of the grid. Williams has faced challenges in recent years, but Sainz’s addition could be a crucial step toward a potential resurgence.

Carlos Sainz’s journey with Ferrari may be winding down, but his time with the team will undoubtedly remain one of the most memorable of his career. With Ferrari’s global appeal and the pressure that comes with it, Sainz’s insights provide a unique perspective on what it truly means to be a part of one of the most famous teams in Formula 1 history.