Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has applauded Carlos Sainz as a “mega professional” in the manner he has dealt with reports over his Formula 1 prospects this season.
The marque announced prior to racing even commencing in 2024 that Sainz would lose his drive next term as the team partners Lewis Hamilton with Charles Leclerc.
Sainz’s post-Ferrari destination had dominated the headlines since that bombshell news until it was published a week ago that he will switch over to Williams in 2025.
The Spaniard has delivered a strong campaign on track as he recovered from missing the race in Saudi Arabia with appendicitis to then head a Ferrari 1-2 in Australia.
Vasseur has commended how Sainz, who has registered five podiums to sit fifth, has managed to avoid letting speculation on his future be a distraction to his driving.
“Honestly he did a mega great job,” Vasseur said. “The last couple of weeks he had a bit more questions from yourself and his side than before.
“Somehow it’s a kind of distraction but if you have a look yesterday [Saturday] he did a mega job, Q1, Q2. It’s only the last lap of Q3 that he made a mistake in Turn 1.
“We would have to draw a conclusion on the fact that he braked just five metres too late on Turn 1.
“It’s not a consequence of something, he was in front of Charles, Q1, Q2.
“If you have a look on the first part of the season, considering the fact that he missed Jeddah, he’s doing very well.
“He’s very professional, very consistent and it was part of my motivation at the beginning to do the end of the season quite early and to have him fully focused.
“I knew that at one stage he would have to sign somewhere and this could be a distraction, but it was much better to anticipate it.
“Honestly the approach of Carlos is mega professional and he was mega professional from day one this season and as it was last year, I can’t complain at all about the approach of Carlos.”
Vasseur expressed that he was pleased Sainz was heading to a side with a vast pedigree in the sport as Williams endeavours to return to competing at the sharp end.
“I am pleased that Carlos will be joining Williams Racing from next season,” Vasseur said.
“It’s a team with great history and legacy, founded by an enlightened man with an ambitious vision, so I know Carlos Sainz will feel at home there.
“I have great respect for James [Vowles] and I am sure Carlos will make a valuable contribution to his team.
“For now, Carlos is still very much a Ferrari driver and, over the remaining 10 races we will all be working hard, focusing on our goals, fighting together
for every single point until the very last lap of this championship.”
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