Sainz bids farewell to Ferrari with father and son track day

©Ferrari

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A poignant farewell played out at Ferrari's Fiorano circuit on Tuesday as Carlos Sainz Jr. marked his departure from the Scuderia with a truly special track day.

It wasn't a final day of testing for the 2025 Williams driver, but a heartfelt tribute and a celebration of a shared passion.

Sainz took to the track in the Ferrari F1-75, the very machine that battled for the 2022 Constructors' Championship, but he was not alone.

Alongside him, sharing the tarmac and the roar of the engine, was his father, rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr.

The sight of father and so, navigating the corners of Fiorano in the iconic scarlet red was a powerful image. It symbolized more than just a final drive in a Ferrari; it represented a legacy, a family bond forged in the fires of motorsport competition.

Sainz Jr. perfectly captured the sentiment with a simple yet warm message on his Instagram , accompanying the video: “Like son, like father! Thank you Scuderia Ferrari.”

This emotional send-off marks the end of a significant chapter in Sainz Jr.'s career. His time with Ferrari has been one of growth, achievement, and memorable moments.

He arrived with promise and leaves with his reputation significantly enhanced. He secured his maiden Grand Prix victory at the thrilling 2022 British Grand Prix, a moment that cemented his place in Ferrari history.

His achievements didn't stop there. In a season dominated by Red Bull in 2023, Sainz Jr. stood out as the only driver to break their winning streak, triumphing at the Singapore Grand Prix with a masterful drive.

He added two more victories to his tally in 2024 – in Australia and in Mexico. His win in Melbourne was particularly remarkable, achieved just after recovering from appendicitis, showing his incredible resilience and determination.

As he prepares for his next chapter with Williams in 2025, Sainz carries with him the memories and experiences gained at Ferrari, forever intertwined with the shared passion and legacy of the Sainz family.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.