Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc will miss Carlos Sainz in the battle for the lead, but are convinced that the Spaniard will be back at some point.
Abu Dhabi will probably have been Carlos Sainz’s last chance of winning in Formula 1 for the foreseeable future. The Spaniard will join the Williams team in 2025, where he will start out on a smaller scale. This also means that for the time being he will no longer be able to fight against his last two teammates, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, at the top.
Norris, in particular, with whom Sainz continues to have a good relationship, thinks it’s a shame: “Carlos is someone I know very well and with whom I started in Formula 1,” he says.
Before the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the McLaren driver knew that Sainz would be a tough opponent in the race because he wanted to win the constructors’ title with Ferrari – just like McLaren. “In all my meetings, I said to the guys, ‘Let’s watch out for Carlos, okay?’ Because I was ready for him to attack and put up a good fight.”
But Norris is convinced that his old friend will be back at the top at some point – maybe even with Williams: “Williams have improved a lot. They haven’t had anyone with a lot of experience from a top team, and that’s exactly what Carlos brings and will take the team even further forward.”
Norris: Sainz lost cockpit not because of performance
There have been races in which Williams has done well as early as 2024, “so I expect to see him on the track anyway. I’m sure Williams will make a good leap,” says Norris, seeing 2026 in particular as a big unknown and an opportunity: “Williams can then suddenly be at the top.”
But Norris thinks it’s a shame that he’s lost his place in a top team, because Sainz has proven himself enough in Formula 1 and deserves a good seat. “He deserves to be fighting for championships and wins and stuff like that, and it’s a shame when that opportunity is gone.”
But Norris also emphasizes that Sainz did not lose his cockpit because of talent or performance, but “because the biggest name in Formula 1 wants his place”.
A lot of Ferrari progress thanks to Sainz
Because Lewis Hamilton will be driving alongside Charles Leclerc at Ferrari in 2025. The Monegasque driver is also losing a driver at his side with whom he had four good years. Leclerc would agree with Norris on all points: “I think Lando and I are probably the two best people to talk about it,” he says.
“I can say that Carlos is incredibly talented. He has helped me to improve in so many areas – with his attitude, his talent and just everything he brings,” says Leclerc, who credits the Spaniard with much of Ferrari’s improvement in recent years. “He’s just so damn fast,” he says.
He also emphasizes that Sainz actually belongs in a top team and will soon be back at the top. “He will give Williams so much because he is so sensitive to every little change and every little feeling,” says Leclerc, who is convinced that Williams will have a lot of data after the test drives.
Leclerc: Wouldn’t be where I am today without Sainz
He himself will miss the on-track battles. “We did have our moments out on track, but only because we were fighting so closely and he was pushing me the whole time. It was really enjoyable,” he says.
“Of course there are moments of frustration, but even now I look back with many positive memories, and I wouldn’t be the driver I am today without him as a teammate.”
“I wish him all the best,” says Leclerc. ‘But as I said, I have no doubt that he will be back at the top – whether with Williams with his input or with someone else. He deserves it, and everyone knows it. And it’s only a matter of time before he comes back.’