The peculiar end to Sainz's Ferrari career

Carlos Sainz has had an incredibly bizarre year, given he knew before the F1 campaign even started that it would be his last with Ferrari. 

Since Lewis Hamilton's multi-year deal to replace Sainz next season was announced at the start of February, there has been a sense of misfortune for the Spanish driver. 

Sainz has been an admirable star for Ferrari and has consistently performed for the outfit since replacing Sebastian Vettel for the 2021 F1 season. 

There is little doubt he is in an incredibly unfortunate position - based on the circumstances that if it was not Charles Leclerc alongside him, who has long been viewed as the driver of Ferrari's future, then there is every chance he would still be in red next season.

On paper, Sainz has done little wrong this year. Consistent performances, four podiums as well as a stunning victory in Australia would usually be enough for any driver to have their contract renewed. 

However, the temptation of signing Lewis Hamilton was too great for Ferrari to resist, as it opened the chance to tie down the most successful driver in F1 history.

Outside of Hamilton, there are very few options that would be deemed worthy to replace Sainz.

Sainz future decided

Even after his Ferrari exit was announced, Sainz always knew 2024 would not be his final F1 season. Immediately, there was interest from Williams, Audi, Mercedes and, more recently, Alpine.

Of course, he has decided that Williams will be his home for the years ahead after signing a multi-year contract to partner Alex Albon, marking one of the most talented driver pairings on the grid. 

With his future settled, it gives him the chance to embrace the final 10 races of being in red, racing for the most famous team in F1 and one of the most iconic manufacturers in the world. 

He gets to say a proper farewell to Maranello and the Tifosi, who should be nothing but grateful for the work Sainz has delivered. 

In many ways, it seems unfair that a driver of Sainz's calibre is set for a future in the midfield, considering he has the ability to battle and at times beat the likes of Max Verstappen. 

Sainz's experience could see him embrace the Williams challenge of effectively rebuilding the team, something team principal James Vowles has been doing since taking on the lead role last year. 

The 29-year-old is now in a position where he can push to the limit for Ferrari in the final races of the season, as with his Williams seat confirmed, there is little for the Spaniard to lose. 

His situation was the opposite prior to signing the contract, as he needed to perform to ensure the best offers came his way. 

Sainz can now show Ferrari just how good he is, and why potentially faith should have been put in him over signing Hamilton.