Vasseur explains Sainz 'emotion' after Ferrari goodbye

Fred Vasseur has revealed the most 'emotional part' of Carlos Sainz's farewell season following the Spanish driver's departure from Ferrari this week.

As a parting 'gift', Sainz and his father, Carlos Sainz Sr, took to the Fiorano circuit at Maranello for a blast around the track in two-year-old Ferraris.

After it was announced on February 1 that seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton would replace Sainz at Ferrari in 2025, December 17 was his last day with the team before he now heads off to Williams.

Speaking to select media, including RacingNews365, at an event at Maranello after Sainz had said his goodbyes, Ferrari team principal Vasseur said: "We did the farewell for Carlos, and he did some laps with the car, his father also.

"It was the best way to thank all of them for what they did for the team, and also Carlos Senior."

Sainz 'professional' to the end

Vasseur then reflected on a superb farewell season for Sainz, who gave his all despite knowing he would be out of a drive with the Scuderia after four seasons.

It included two victories in Australia and Mexico City, the former just a fortnight after Sainz had undergone surgery to remove his appendix.

"I think with Carlos, we had at least two good seasons," added Vasseur. "Probably the most emotional part of the season for me was in Melbourne when he won the race after the surgery.

"And last year, we had the recovery after the summer break, that he was the guy who got the pole position in Monza, the win in Singapore. His contribution was very important to the improvement of the team.

"I know it was not an easy situation for him, when I had to give him the call in February. You can imagine that it was a tough situation.

"But he was able to keep the same approach all year, to be very professional, very dedicated, to fight until the last corner of the last lap of the last race.

"It [the farewell on Tuesday] was a bit emotional. It's always emotional. Even for the father, it was emotional."