# Carlos Sainz at Ferrari (2021–2024)

Source: https://www.thef1formula.com/careers/carlos-sainz-at-ferrari
Last updated: 2026-06-01

> Carlos Sainz's four-season tenure at Ferrari (2021–2024) saw him emerge as a consistent, strategic driver, often matching his highly-rated teammate Charles Leclerc and securing four Grand Prix victories.

Carlos Sainz's four seasons with Scuderia Ferrari, from 2021 to 2024, unfolded as a period of remarkable consistency and strategic acumen, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier Formula 1 driver capable of delivering under pressure.

## How it began
Sainz joined Ferrari in 2021, stepping into the seat vacated by four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel. His arrival alongside the highly-touted Charles Leclerc was met with anticipation, as the team aimed to rebuild its competitive edge. From his very first race for the Scuderia at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix, Sainz demonstrated his ability to quickly adapt, securing a respectable P8 finish. His debut season saw him consistently extract performance from the SF21, culminating in four podium finishes and a fifth-place standing in the Drivers' Championship with 163.5 points, notably outscoring his teammate.

## The partnership's character
Throughout his time at Maranello, Sainz cultivated a reputation for his methodical approach and strategic intelligence, earning him the moniker "Smooth Operator." His partnership with Leclerc was often closer than many pundits initially predicted. While Leclerc frequently displayed flashes of raw speed, particularly in qualifying, Sainz's race craft and consistency often brought him into contention. This dynamic was particularly evident in the 2023 season, where Sainz, despite finishing seventh in the championship, notably outscored Leclerc. He proved adept at managing tire degradation and executing nuanced race strategies, often maximizing points even when the Ferrari car, such as the SF-23, presented significant challenges. His ability to perform under pressure was a hallmark of his Ferrari stint, providing invaluable data and feedback to the engineers, as detailed by the [Formula 1 — official site](https://www.formula1.com/en).

## Key chapter in the seasons
Sainz's Ferrari career was punctuated by significant milestones. His maiden Formula 1 victory came at the 2022 British Grand Prix, a memorable win demonstrating his composure and strategic thinking. That year, he accumulated 228 points and nine podiums, finishing fifth in the standings. The 2023 season brought another standout performance at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he delivered a masterclass in controlled racing, securing Ferrari's sole victory of the year. His final season in 2024 further underscored his capabilities, adding two more victories and nine podiums, accumulating 262 points and once again finishing fifth in the championship standings. Over his 89 races with Ferrari, Sainz achieved a total of 4 wins and 25 podiums, accumulating 831.5 points. This consistent performance, even amidst the team's fluctuating fortunes, showcased his resilience and skill. For drivers like [Carlos Sainz at Williams](/careers/carlos-sainz-at-williams), this experience will be vital for his next chapter, much like how [Alexander Albon at Williams](/careers/alex-albon-at-williams) has become a team leader.

## The legacy
Carlos Sainz's departure from Ferrari at the end of 2024, making way for Lewis Hamilton, marked the close of a significant chapter. His tenure proved that he was not merely a capable teammate but a genuine race winner and a consistent points scorer, often exceeding initial expectations. His four seasons contributed significantly to Ferrari's Constructors' Championship efforts, providing a stable and reliable presence. His career at Ferrari, which can be further explored via [Wikipedia: Formula One](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One) historical records, showcased a driver who could adapt, strategize, and deliver, leaving a strong legacy of performance and professionalism. The comprehensive data from sources like [Jolpica/Ergast — 2026 season data](https://api.jolpi.ca/ergast/f1/2026.json) will forever reflect his competitive output during this period, influencing the trajectory of other drivers like [Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls](/careers/yuki-tsunoda-at-rb) who are also fighting for their place.