Sainz to correct 'mistake' ahead of 'emotional' Ferrari farewell at Italian GP

Carlos Sainz says he will try to "embrace the feelings and try to be present" on an "emotional" weekend at Monza.

Ahead of his final Italian Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver, as Sainz joins Williams next season, the 29-year-old spoke about how he wants to "enjoy the moment with the Tifosi".

After being replaced by Lewis Hamilton ahead of the 2024 season, Sainz took his time to decide his next home in F1.

Whilst that has now been resolved, the Spaniard wants to take in the gravity of being a Ferrari driver at Monza one last time.

"Yeah, emotional for sure," he told media including RacingNews365 when asked how he felt coming into the weekend.

"[I'm] really trying to enjoy it as much as possible, to embrace the feelings and try to be present.

"I think it's a mistake that I sometimes do, and it's easy to fall into, which you stop being present and think that Formula 1 weekends become routine already because there are 24 races, and it becomes a job and a routine.

"And actually, before coming here this weekend, I try to stop a bit, look around and say: 'Okay, I'm a Ferrari driver with options of a podium or win this weekend if everything goes well' and try to enjoy that moment - enjoy the moment with the Tifosi."

Sainz feels 'really loved' by Ferrari fans

Sainz joined Ferrari in 2021 as Sebastian Vettel's replacement to partner Charles Leclerc, who has long been considered a prodigal son for the Scuderia.

However, the Spanish driver has proven a match for the Monégasque in their near-four seasons together as team-mates.

After taking his first win in F1 in 2022, Sainz was the only Ferrari winner - and non-Red Bull winner generally - last season.

Sainz feels that victory at Singapore, coupled with his pole and podium finish in the round prior in the Italian Grand Prix, increased the love and affection he received from Ferrari's passionate fans.

"I feel like, since last year, pole position here [at Monza] and the podium, plus I won Singapore, plus Melbourne this year, I feel like the Tifosi value me a lot more," the three-time grand prix winner shared.

"They support me even more than they did last year and I feel really loved. I feel that connection with them that I'm trying to embrace as much as possible."