Carlos Sainz makes promise to Ferrari fans: “I will give my best for the team”. Carlos Sainz shares his thoughts on his final year with Ferrari.

If he’s nervous or affected by recent turns, he disguises it quite well. Carlos Sainz reappeared this Monday, four days after the informational earthquake caused by Lewis Hamilton’s signing for Ferrari starting in 2025 and his departure from the Italian team next year.

It happened in Italy, at the Cremona karting circuit, where the Spaniard presented an exciting personal project: his kart brand CS55. He completed laps with his two luxury sparring partners, Roberto Merhi and Félix Porteiro. He enjoyed on the track, commented on the moves, had fun. He dodged current affair questions from the few invited media, mainly Italian newspapers. And he gracefully avoided the more direct challenges. For example: any advice for Lewis Hamilton on his arrival at Ferrari? “He should try my kart!”

“I’m fine, it’s true that it has been two very intense weeks for everyone at home, in Maranello, but I focus on the preparation for this season, which is crucial for Ferrari,” he introduced about Ferrari’s recent announcement. And that was almost all he spoke about regarding the topic of the week. He did emphasize that this will be the most important season of his career, as he sees them all that way. “I always try to reach a high level of pressure. You have to feel pressured and stressed, be nervous before a Formula 1 race, when you make a start or a qualifying lap. From there, I have my techniques to face those levels of pressure. I don’t like going to races too relaxed; I feel that I lack some demand. That’s why in training, I look for that. This year, like the previous nine, is the most important year of my career. I face them all like that. And even more so at Ferrari.” – the Spaniard pointed out.

Up close, you can see a relaxed driver. Almost liberated. It doesn’t seem like Carlos Sainz is unsure where he’ll be racing next year, regardless of nothing being signed yet. It’s no secret that everyone talks to everyone in this Formula 1, and the most interesting options are at Audi, Alpine, perhaps Aston Martin. Toto Wolff’s recent statements don’t suggest that they will be looking for a driver like Carlos Sainz for the second Mercedes, who may well be holding a spot for Andrea Kimi Antonelli (17 years). Nor should the second Red Bull from a team organized around Max Verstappen arouse the slightest interest. It shouldn’t be long before there are updates, starting the last season at Ferrari without a single distraction.

“In my career I have always made progress, improving more every year. This has always been and always will be my philosophy, and it will be the same this year. In 2024 I will turn 30, but I feel younger and more motivated than ever. I am aware of how much I am worth as a driver and for this reason when I look to the future I am very calm. Good things will definitely come, but for now my goal is to give my best with Ferrari. It’s certainly not the best feeling to start the season, but the moment I put on the helmet in Bahrain and take to the track, the only feeling will be the desire to go faster and faster, also aiming for victory in the World Championship.” – the Spaniard continued – “Experiencing Ferrari from the inside I already knew several things and I prepared myself with the team in view of future changes. I don’t want to think about anything other than giving my all in the season that awaits me with Ferrari. I’m calm, we know that we have a very important season ahead of us. This will be my last year in Ferrari, so I want to do the best I can: I’m also training with the karts to give my best when I’m on the track.”

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But it wasn’t the time to talk about negotiations or the impact of Lewis Hamilton’s announcement, but to drive. “The competition with Roberto and Félix is enormous, we challenge each other for everything,” Carlos jokes, with much enthusiasm invested in this kart brand for which he has many future plans. “It’s more direct than a single-seater, more authentic,” he commented on the sensations. He comes from completing a hundred laps in the Pirelli tests in Montmeló, and on Tuesday, the F1-75 from 2022 awaits him in Fiorano. And between walks, long bike rides where he has been seen with someone named Pogaçar. Next Tuesday, the SF24, his last Ferrari car as a driver, will be presented. Then he will explain at length what his feelings are after not renewing. In the meantime, Carlos Sainz prepares on the track for what he does best: driving.