Sainz’s Mexico pole “bittersweet” as he prepares to leave Ferrari · RaceFans

Carlos Sainz Jnr admits he has mixed feelings about his and Ferrari’s strong form as he enters his final five races for the team.

He has known since the season began that Lewis Hamilton will take his place at Ferrari next year. Sainz will join Williams, who currently lie eighth in the constructors’ championship.

Sainz won once early in the season, following which Ferrari suffered a mid-season dip in form, which they are now rebounding from. Charles Leclerc has won two of the last four races for Ferrari.

After taking pole position for today’s Mexican Grand Prix, with two laps which were faster than either of his rivals could manage, Sainz said his satisfaction with the result was tempered by the knowledge he has little time left as a Ferrari driver.

“It’s very sweet,” he said. “Given how good the car is, how well I’m driving recently, [I’m] obviously optimistic going into the last five races.

“At the same time, it’s bittersweet because it gives me a feeling Ferrari might be in the fight for the world championship next year and I will not be there to use it.”

He joined the team in 2021, the year after Ferrari scored its worst championship result in four decades. The team has steadily improved since then.

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“I feel like I’ve been quite a big part of this team during the last four years trying to prepare the team to fight for that championship next year,” said Sainz.

“The fact that I’m driving well, being fast with the car and I’m leaving in five races definitely leaves me a bit – I don’t know how to say it, but not with a very good feeling.

“But it’s what it is. I’m going to try and, as I’ve said, win more races, stand on the podium for as long as I can during these five races and enjoy that. And then we will think about next year.”