Sainz responds to claims Ferrari misses him, says 'you'd have to ask them'

Carlos Sainz has diplomatically addressed suggestions that Ferrari is feeling his absence, stating he is no longer involved with the team's day-to-day operations and that only they could answer that question. The Spaniard, who joined Williams for the 2025 season, expressed hope that he left a positive personal impression on the team and its fans during his four-year stint in Maranello.

Why it matters:

Sainz's departure from Ferrari and subsequent strong performances with Williams have fueled speculation about the Scuderia's current state. His response highlights the professional distance he maintains while acknowledging the emotional ties formed during a significant chapter of his career. The narrative touches on the human element of driver transfers and how a team's performance can be retrospectively viewed through the lens of a departed star.

The details:

• Speaking to Marca, Sainz declined to comment directly on whether Ferrari misses him professionally, citing his lack of current involvement: "I'm no longer there on a day-to-day basis, so I can't tell you how things are going professionally or if they miss me."
• He shifted the question back to the team, concluding, "you'd have to ask them that."
• On a personal level, Sainz expressed a desire to have left a good impression, calling his four years at Ferrari "very intense" and noting he made great friends and colleagues there.
• The speculation has grown as Ferrari struggled through parts of the 2025 campaign, while Sainz secured two Grand Prix victories and a sprint podium with Williams.

The big picture:

The conversation around Sainz and Ferrari is a classic post-breakup narrative in F1, where a driver's success with a new team inevitably leads to questions about the old one. It underscores how driver performance is intrinsically linked to the machinery and team environment. Sainz's measured response avoids fueling any potential controversy while respectfully acknowledging his past, allowing him to focus fully on his future project with Williams.