Ferrari's farewell gift to Carlos Sainz prompts one-word reaction from Damon Hill
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Ferrari have handed Carlos Sainz a stunning gift after his four-year stint with the team came to an end. The Spaniard joined in 2021 from McLaren and impressed as part of a strong driver line-up alongside Charles Leclerc. Sainz won four races during that time, including two victories in his final season with the team despite the disappointment of being told he had lost his seat to Lewis Hamilton.
The first of those four victories came in a stunning British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2022. That race became famous for an extraordinary double overtake by Hamilton as he duelled with Sergio Perez and Leclerc for a spot on the podium. But Sainz was the man who won from pole position that day with a mature drive. And, as a thank-you for his efforts during his time with Ferrari, the Italians have gifted the F1-75 car that he drove in that season to their now former driver.
As far as leaving presents to an employee go, a full-sized F1 car is a remarkable show of appreciation. Damon Hill certainly thinks so, as the 1996 champion reacted to the news by simply writing: "Wow," on his Instagram story. Though he was understandably disappointed to have lost his seat, Sainz heads into the 2025 season excited about a new challenge. After months of mulling over his future, the 29-year-old decided to join Williams and will spend at least the next two years driving alongside Alex Albon and trying to help restore the famous team to its former glory.
Team principal James Vowles is the man tasked with overseeing that restoration and is under no illusions that it is a long-term project. But the former Mercedes strategy chief is at least confident that he has the right driver combination in place to get the most out of their cars.
