When you are into Formula 1 – there’s nothing more rewarding than being a Carlos Sainz Fan. Many times, people fail to see how Carlos Sainz’s journey is inspiring in more ways than one. In a recent podcast with High Performance, Carlos talked about his journey— the emotional turmoil post-Ferrari exit, his expectations from Red Bull and Mercedes, and how he chose Williams.
The Major Turning Point – How Carlos Chose to Handle It
Carlos was “completely shocked” when he received the phone call telling him he was out of Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton eventually replaced him.
- “It never occurred to me that that could happen, and it was a bit shocking.”
Despite this difficult moment, Carlos emphasized his ability to stay grounded:
- “You never get too much of a reaction from me. I’m, I think, quite level-headed in that sense. But that gave me a bit of a kick, you know, and I think it made me a better athlete, a better driver.”
Rather than react emotionally or lash out, Sainz chose professionalism and resilience. He saw this setback as a chance to grow:
- “For sure the most challenging moments of your life… force your personality, they force your character, and they force you to take steps.”
He explained that he focused on what he could control, moving forward when there were no options left:
- “If there’s nothing you can do — which at that point there was nothing I could do… the contract was signed, I was out. The next thing: what is the next possible thing I can do? I called everyone.”
Something to Learn from Carlos’s Approach
We all face setbacks that are unexpected and, at times, devastating. Life often becomes a blur, and we don’t know what to do next. In moments of confusion, it is wise to take some time to wrap your head around what’s exactly happening. Instead of instant reactions and lash outs we must aim to be level-headed and composed. It can help us navigate through the foggy pathways, leading us toward the next chapters of our lives — where we get a brand-new chance to prove what we truly are.
Why Red Bull and Mercedes Passed on Carlos
Red Bull:
- Rumored Reason: The public narrative suggested that his past rivalry with Max Verstappen and the perception that Max didn’t want Carlos as a teammate was the cause.
- His Real Take: Carlos clarified that the rivalry with Max was intense but healthy. The two actually get on “really well” now.
- “If that’s the reason, I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want me next to Max because I think we would actually be a very strong pairing for Formula One.”
- “When I was Max’s teammate, I didn’t have this tough time. I know I can take it, and I’ve been successful in the past.”
Mercedes:
- How Close Was He? Sainz says he was “an option for sure” and had many conversations with Toto Wolff and the Mercedes team. Still, he was not a final pick.
- “We talked a lot with Toto at the time and everyone, but I was an option for sure. How close? You can go and ask Toto, but I think he’s very happy with Kimi.”
Moving Forward With Williams – A New Chapter
Recognizing that he wouldn’t get a top competitive car for 2025 was hard. But it shifted his mindset.
He focused on joining Williams for the opportunity to lead and help build a team. He did not wish to be a “gap filler” at a more political team. Carlos values teams that “fully back” and “fully empower” him. Williams, thus, provided the right environment for him to thrive. His optimistic approach to a setback is something we can all learn from. The fact that he found a team that is not only supportive but also makes him feel welcomed and loved is something Carlos embraces. He sees his goal as making Williams competitive again, like it used to be in the 90s.
Leaving the Past Behind
Carlos’ ability to leave behind what has happened and look forward to what can be done is admirable. We tend to carry a lot of baggage from the past— especially for things that didn’t really work out for us. But to be able to embrace the good times and move forward with an even more dedicated spirit is something truly inspiring.
Carlos Sainz on Purpose, Ambition, and the True Meaning of Success
In the podcast, when Carlos is asked if he would be disappointed if he isn’t world champion despite giving his absolute best, the exchange captures his mindset about effort, fulfillment, and the true meaning of success. Becoming world champion is his life’s project and his driving purpose:
- “Being world champion is my purpose and what keeps me waking up in the morning to go cycle at 7 a.m. and get fit… The days that you’re tired and jet lagged and you don’t want to do so many laps in the simulator, but there’s three setups that you want to try. That’s what drives me.”
When pressed about disappointment, Carlos reflects with humility and perspective. Yes, there would be disappointment— because ambition is at the core of every champion. However, he focuses on the satisfaction of effort and progress.
- He wants it “as soon as possible,” not waiting for the long game just for the sake of achievement.
- Sainz respects the journey, aiming to gain podium soon.
- He is driven by “giving 100%” and making sure he’s doing everything in his power each day to pursue this goal.
- For Carlos, the process and daily pursuit matter as much as the result.
His response is mature and philosophical — disappointment might exist if the championship doesn’t come, but he finds personal fulfillment in the effort, improvement, and the impact he has on his teams and those around him.
The Stoic Racer – Why Carlos Sainz Inspires Beyond F1
This segment shows Carlos as a deeply committed competitor who recognizes the difference between external validation and internal satisfaction, blending relentless ambition with an acceptance of whatever the outcome may be.
The guy is grounded and has wonderful takes on life. It requires so much to have that kind of emotional depth, especially in today’s era, where everything is just surface-level. His passion for Formula 1 and his upbringing tell a lot about his persona — someone respectful, kind, stoic in many ways, and accepting of what life has to offer.Not everyone achieves that kind of philosophy, not so early in life anyway.Carlos inspires us to pursue our goals with utmost passion and heart. To wake up with the intention of loving what we do — every single day.
That’s truly defines dedication and pure passion – to choose our dreams over and over again, even in the most difficult times.
