Sainz: I deserved one more F1 win before leaving Ferrari
Mexican Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz says he deserved at least one more win before leaving Ferrari, particularly knowing that he had never won with his mother present at a Formula 1 race
Sainz ceded the lead from pole to Max Verstappen but reclaimed his position at the front on lap nine with a DRS pass on the championship leader into Turn 1.
This was a lead that Sainz continued to build, ensuring that he had plenty of margin to absorb any brief moments of pressure from team-mate Charles Leclerc, or Lando Norris' late-race push.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Spaniard said that he had been incredibly keen to finish his time at Ferrari on a high with at least one more race win before he moves to Williams for 2025.
"It's just a matter of that I think everyone knew I wanted one more race win with Ferrari. I felt like I also deserved it," Sainz said.
"I've been driving well all year and I've been pushing flat out, keeping my motivation high even in a difficult circumstance, and wanting to give everything for this team.
"I felt like I drove some really good races and one more I had to win. Eventually, it happened and it had to be in Mexico, in front of my family, which is great.
"It doesn't mean that I'm not going to try and win more. But it had to be here."
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-24
Photo by: Dom Romney / Motorsport Images
Sainz reckoned that the presence of his family at the race and his confidence with the car led him to feel "something was definitely cooking" in the Mexico weekend.
He admitted that he made his day more difficult by losing position to Verstappen at the start, but crucially had the confidence - and pace - to return the favour on his former team-mate.
"Honestly, it's one of the best feelings in the world for sure. I felt like after Checo probably they were supporting me," he added.
"Since I arrived in Mexico, I had a feeling that the win was possible. I knew my family was coming to see me here this weekend. My mum was going to be present. I knew I hadn't won a race with my mum in front of me.
"My best friends are here, my dad, and I was like 'there might be something cooking this weekend, and I need to make sure I do everything I can to win this race'.
"Even though I made it a bit difficult with the start, then I made it stick with Max and I enjoyed that race from then onwards."
Share Or Save This Story
How F1's planned 60-40 power split for 2027 will affect each manufacturer
Aston Martin's plans for F1 2026 after upgrade-free Miami
The intrigue sparked by Red Bull's Miami sidepod design
Why some F1 team bosses think drivers shouldn't have a say in the rules
FIA responds to dramatic Bearman crash in F1 Japanese GP
How Sainz outsmarted rival with 'fake DRS train' to score points in China
"We love V8s" - What F1 manufacturers think about future engine regulations
How Leclerc’s hardest critic is always himself
Leclerc handed huge Miami GP penalty after battle with Verstappen and Russell
The underlying reasons why Russell won't be alarmed yet by Antonelli's start to F1 2026
GRD battles from the back for Fun Cup glory at Snetterton
How victory in Portugal could have a bearing on Hyundai’s WRC future plans
Why Bahrain and Saudi Arabia may still host a grand prix in F1 2026
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments