A Special Moment for Carlos Sainz Jr. and Ferrari: Reflecting on a Milestone Mexico City Win
Carlos Sainz Jr. delivered an unforgettable performance at the Mexico City Grand Prix, capturing both pole position and victory in a commanding drive around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The victory, his fourth career win and sixth pole position, holds special significance as Sainz prepares to leave Ferrari at the end of the season to join Williams in 2025. For Sainz’s father, Carlos Sainz Sr., a former World Rally Champion, watching his son’s triumph brought immense pride and satisfaction.
Sainz Sr. Speaks of Pride and Confidence in Son’s Ferrari Success
Amid the celebrations, Sainz Sr. shared his joy and admiration for his son’s performance. Speaking with F1.com, he noted, “For me, obviously, I’m super happy about the weekend. Not only [in the race] where the points are given, but he was also strong in qualifying.” Reflecting on Sainz’s recent performances, Sainz Sr. emphasized how crucial confidence has been for his son’s recent surge. “I know when he’s confident, he can be super quick,” Sainz Sr. explained. “Now he’s probably very confident, or more confident, with the car, and this is giving him the possibility to push close to the limit.”
Carlos Sainz Jr. has had an impressive season with Ferrari, repeatedly showing resilience and adaptability in an upgraded Ferrari vehicle. Though he experienced setbacks, such as finishing second in Austin after technical issues, he maintained his competitive edge.
A Key Win as Sainz’s Ferrari Tenure Nears Its Close
This victory in Mexico is significant not only as a Grand Prix win but also as a milestone in Sainz’s Ferrari journey, with his move to Williams in 2025 already confirmed. Reflecting on his career with Ferrari, Sainz Jr. stated several times that winning another race for the Scuderia was a top priority before his departure. Now, having achieved that goal, he is eager to continue pushing in the remaining races. Sainz Sr., reflecting on the weekend, added, “You will need to ask him, but probably I know the answer that he will like now to win another one!”
A Family-Filled and Emotional Celebration
Sainz Jr.’s victory was even more special due to the presence of his family. His father, mother, partner, and close friends were there to witness his triumph, making the win particularly meaningful. “I felt like this weekend was going to be a very good opportunity to win the race,” Sainz Jr. shared in the post-race press conference. “I had a very good feeling coming into the weekend, and I was also very determined to win it.” He added that having his family and best friends around provided extra motivation and inspiration to succeed.
Sainz Jr. also reflected on the emotional significance of the win, noting that his mother had never been present at one of his race victories before. “I wanted really to win a race in front of her,” he explained, sharing that his mother’s presence made the victory even more memorable.
Triumph Against the Odds
The path to victory in Mexico wasn’t straightforward. Sainz lost his lead at the start of the race and had to battle back, including a determined duel with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. “The way the whole weekend planned out, it was just perfect,” Sainz Jr. said. “Losing [out] at the start and then having to fight back with Max just made everything a bit more tricky, and it probably makes it taste even better because I had to work hard for it.”
Ferrari’s Push in the Constructors’ Championship
Sainz’s win in Mexico City also had broader implications for Ferrari. With teammate Charles Leclerc also delivering a podium finish, Ferrari moved past Red Bull to take second place in the constructors’ standings, closing the gap on McLaren, who now lead Ferrari by only 29 points. This strong showing by both Ferrari drivers highlights the team’s progress and determination to finish the season on a high note.
Looking Ahead: The Final Races and a New Chapter
With four races remaining in the season, Sainz Jr. is focused on maintaining his momentum and delivering his best performances for Ferrari. As he nears the end of his Ferrari chapter, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and memorable moments, including this Mexico City triumph. His transition to Williams in 2025 marks a new beginning, but for now, Sainz is determined to savor each remaining moment with the Scuderia.
Summary
- Victory in Mexico: Carlos Sainz Jr. captured both pole position and victory in Mexico City, marking his fourth career win.
- Emotional Family Moment: Sainz celebrated his win with his family, including his mother, who had never previously attended one of his race wins.
- Ferrari’s Stand in Constructors’ Race: With this win, Ferrari overtakes Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, moving closer to leaders McLaren.
- Final Push with Ferrari: Sainz Jr. aims to finish strong in his last few races with Ferrari before joining Williams in 2025.
Carlos Sainz Jr.’s Mexico City victory will be remembered as a milestone in his career, a moment of personal triumph, and an emotional farewell to his time at Ferrari. His inspiring journey, combined with his family’s support, underscores his passion and dedication as he looks ahead to new opportunities in Formula 1.
