Leclerc lists areas where Sainz has helped him improve as he hails ‘incredible team mate’

Charles Leclerc has praised Carlos Sainz for helping him to improve in “so many areas” during their four years racing together at Ferrari, with the Monegasque stating that his former team mate “deserves to be in a top team” following his departure from the Italian outfit.

Sainz first partnered with Leclerc when he joined the Scuderia back in 2021 and in the seasons that followed the two drivers were often closely matched, having picked up four and six wins respectively in that time.

The pair also helped Ferrari to take the fight for the constructors’ championship down to the wire in 2024, with the team ultimately just missing out to McLaren by 14 points.

Following the signing of Lewis Hamilton for 2025, Sainz will now embark on a new chapter with Williams, bringing his time as Leclerc’s team mate to an end. But while it might be over, Leclerc believes that Sainz has had a lasting impact on both himself and the team.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 08: Second placed Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari and — Leclerc and Sainz shared the podium at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, their final race as Ferrari team mates

“I think Lando [Norris] and myself are probably the two best people to speak about it, because we’ve been sharing the same team with Carlos for many years. And I can tell you, Carlos is so incredibly talented,” Leclerc explained.

“He’s helped me to improve in so many areas – his work ethic, his talent, just everything he brings. The discipline he has, he’s been just such an incredible team mate. And I think if today we have done such a step forward in a year and in these four years, it’s a big thanks to Carlos.

“He’s just been extremely quick. And in Formula 1, as Lando said, some things you don’t really have explanations for. There’s also luck that is involved to be at the right place at the right time and Carlos definitely deserves to be in a top team.

“But I’m sure that it’s just a matter of time before he comes back and joins us to fight for wins. He will give so much to Williams, the way he’s so sensitive to every small change and every small feeling there is in the car.”

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 23: Carlos Sainz of Spain driving (55) the Ferrari SF-24 and Charles — Leclerc says he will miss the on-track battles that he has enjoyed with Sainz during their time as team mates

While Leclerc and Sainz have enjoyed a good relationship off-track during their time as team mates, they have also occasionally engaged in some battles on it, something that Leclerc reflects back fondly on.

“I’ll definitely miss the fights,” the 27-year-old said. “We’ve had our moments on track, but that’s only because we were fighting so close together and because he’s been pushing me all the way, and it’s been an absolute pleasure.

“Of course, in some moments, in the actual moment, in the present moment, there’s frustration. But I’m sure that, and actually already now, I’m looking back at those moments with a lot of positive memories, and I wouldn’t be the driver I am today without him as my team mate in the last four years.

“So yeah, it’s been a really big pleasure and four years that I will be looking back in the most positive way, and I wish him the best.

“But as I said, I have no doubts that he will be back at the top of the grid, whether it’s with Williams by his input or with someone else, but he deserves that. I think everybody knows that, and it’s just a matter of time before he comes back.”