Sainz to correct 'mistake' ahead of 'emotional' Ferrari farewell at Italian GP

Carlos Sainz has expressed his desire to "embrace the feelings and try to be present" during what promises to be an "emotional" weekend at Monza. This will mark his final Italian Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver before his move to Williams next season. The 29-year-old spoke about wanting to "enjoy the moment with the Tifosi" as he bids farewell to Ferrari.

After being replaced by Lewis Hamilton for the 2024 season, Sainz took time to decide on his future in F1. Now settled with Williams, the Spaniard is determined to soak in the significance of being a Ferrari driver at Monza for the last time.

"Yeah, emotional for sure," Sainz said to media, including RacingNews365, when asked about his mindset coming into the weekend. "[I'm] really trying to enjoy it as much as possible, to embrace the feelings and try to be present. I think it's a mistake that I sometimes do, and it's easy to fall into, which you stop being present and think that Formula 1 weekends become routine already because there are 24 races, and it becomes a job and a routine."

He added, "Before coming here this weekend, I try to stop a bit, look around and say: 'Okay, I'm a Ferrari driver with options of a podium or win this weekend if everything goes well' and try to enjoy that moment - enjoy the moment with the Tifosi."

Sainz feels 'really loved' by Ferrari fans
Since joining Ferrari in 2021 as Sebastian Vettel's replacement alongside Charles Leclerc, Sainz has proven himself a strong teammate to the Monégasque driver. In 2022, he secured his first F1 win and was Ferrari's only winner that season, as well as the only non-Red Bull winner overall.

Sainz believes that his victory at Singapore, along with his pole position and podium finish at Monza last year, has strengthened the support he receives from Ferrari's passionate fans.

"I feel like, since last year, pole position here [at Monza] and the podium, plus I won Singapore, plus Melbourne this year, I feel like the Tifosi value me a lot more," Sainz said. "They support me even more than they did last year and I feel really loved. I feel that connection with them that I'm trying to embrace as much as possible."