Sainz melancholic after losing key ally to Verstappen

Carlos Sainz and Rupert Manwaring have been inseparable for eight years in Formula 1, but now the personal trainer will switch to Max Verstappen for the 2024 season.

Manwaring has worked with Sainz since his F1 debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri, and moving teams with him to Renault, McLaren and most recently Ferrari.

But in 2024 he will leave Ferrari to team up with Verstappen, after Bradley Scanes and the Dutchman parted ways at the end of last season.

Manwaring works with Hintsa Performance, the performance coaching company launched by the late Dr Aki Hinsta, who worked with Lewis Hamilton and Mika Hakkinen. He died in 2016 after battling cancer.

"Eight years cannot be summed up in one video, but here is a hint of what it has meant to me," wrote Sainz on social media.

"2023 was Rupert's last year serving Team 55 and I wouldn't know how to thank you for all your work and support during those years. Not only did we train together and fight for the same goals, but we also had a lot of fun. I wish you all the best, Ruperto!"

Manwaring in turn also shared a note of farewell, with similar words of thanks to Sainz: "Thank you for eight great years that were filled with fun, excitement and friendship."

"I didn't get to tell you this during our collaboration, but I certainly learned as much from you as you learned from me (if you would at least listen once). It has been a crazy ride and we have grown together. It is also because of you as my wingman that I met my wonderful wife and mother of my baby daughter, the real boss of Team 55."

"It is because of you that I have become a better coach. It was a privilege to watch you grow from raw talent to Ferrari driver, to race winner. You are the 'smoothest' and most 'ruthless operator'. Thank you for your tolerance and unvarnished criticism of my hairstyles. I wish you all the best for the future."

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