Sainz drops cryptic hint over Ferrari exit

Carlos Sainz has dropped cryptic clues over his emotions at leaving Ferrari after four seasons. 

The Spanish racer finished second in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, just failing to help the Scuderia win the constructors' title, as Lando Norris's win gave McLaren the crown by 14 points.

Sainz is leaving Ferrari to be replaced by Lewis Hamilton for 2025, and has signed a deal to drive for Williams. 

He has already driven the 2024 car piloted by Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant and Franco Colapinto in a filming day on Monday before his first official day with the team in the post-season test on Tuesday (December 10th). 

Reflecting on his exit from Ferrari after four wins in his spell with the team, Sainz hinted at not quite keeping his emotions under control.

"Maybe I already have, and you just don't know, and you haven't seen it," Sainz cryptically hinted to media including RacingNews365 when asked if he had broken down in tears. 

"Maybe it was in the helmet, maybe it was in the 10 minutes before the race when I was in the car, maybe it was in the in-lap. 

"Maybe you'll never know, I can just tell you that I did get emotional at some point, I'm not going to tell you exactly when or how. It's a feeling that I save for myself and for my team.

"And maybe it's all a bit of acting, and I'm acting like I'm not emotional at all, and I've learned from Brad Pitt who is here this weekend. 

"I don't know. I tell you, I've been emotional. It's just there was too much of a job to do and too much of a thing to fight for, so your brain doesn't allow you to get emotional because you care more about winning and giving the team a Constructors' Championship than your emotions itself. 

"Let's say, your competitiveness takes over. But, there were moments when I got emotional and luckily you guys didn't get to see it."