Carlos Sainz bid farewell to Ferrari from the podium with the second position in the Abu Dhabi GP. After four seasons, he leaves with four victories, six pole positions, and 25 podiums (a total of 27). He is set to join Williams, and on Monday, he will climb into the FW46 for a 200-kilometer filming day, which is quite opportune as the Oxford-based team still had one of the two annual runs available. On Tuesday, he will repeat the test with Pirelli and complete the entire session with the 2025 tires. The FIA's press conference was involved.

Emotions on the Last Lap with Ferrari

When asked how he found the experience, he said, "It's a mix of sensations. We wanted to win the World Championship but couldn't. McLaren had a very strong weekend, and Lando didn't make a single mistake throughout. They deserve it. I did everything I could. We knew McLaren could have that tenth of an advantage, and it was enough to have a margin and not feel the pressure. I had a very good first 'stint', especially when they told me that Charles was making a good comeback and that Oscar had the incident. I thought we had some options. But when we put on the hard tires, McLaren started to pull away by two or three tenths per lap, and it was enough to open a gap. Charles and I did everything we could; it wasn't easy knowing it was the last. It was an emotional moment, leaving Ferrari like that. It's something I'll always remember."When asked how it was to step down from Ferrari for the last time, he replied, "It's strange. Emotional, I won't lie. It was more emotional when I got on the grid, knowing it was the last time with a group of people I've enjoyed being with. And the last time I'll get on. I wanted to enjoy the race and give my all."Regarding how he managed his emotions, he said, "Maybe it's already broken, and you haven't seen it... (laughs). Maybe inside the helmet, in the minutes before the race, on the way back after the race, maybe you'll never know. But I do have to say that I was definitely emotional on this day. I won't say when, but it's a feeling I keep to myself and my team. Maybe I'm acting and it seems like I'm not emotional; I've learned from Brad Pitt. Until this Sunday, there was a lot of work to do and a lot to fight for, so there was no time to get emotional. But during the race day, there were moments of emotion."

What Lies Ahead in Williams

Being honest, in his last laps, no matter how hard he was pushing, he was already trying to hold on to the sensations because he knew that the car he was about to get into now has room for improvement in some curves. The challenges ahead motivate him. This day is for enjoying; there are still days in Maranello, but his competitive life is eager to make Williams faster from Monday and Tuesday.When asked how long it will take him to fight for a podium again, he said, "I can't predict the future. I don't know how long it will take me and Williams to fight for podiums. James (Vowles) said that 2025 will be a tough year and a year of learning before the rule changes in 2026, which is where the team is investing to maximize opportunities. I'm more determined than ever to help the team get back where it should be. I feel like I have to fight for podiums and victories in F1; my place is up front, but Williams's is too. Together, our goal is to reach that situation as soon as possible. I don't know how long it will take, but you can't imagine how motivated I am for this challenge."