Sainz "couldn't have asked for more" from first Ferrari campaign

Carlos Sainz believes Ferrari is taking strong momentum into the 2022 regulation changes after enjoying one of his "favourite seasons in F1".

Spaniard Sainz joined the Scuderia from McLaren ahead of the 2021 season and, unlike others to have switched teams over the winter, was able to hit the ground running.

A strong season was highlighted by four podiums and fifth in the drivers' championship, beaten by only the Mercedes and Red Bull drivers.

On finishing the year with third in Abu Dhabi, Sainz said: "I couldn't have asked for more, to be honest.

"The podium and the whole race was a matter of putting everything together, everything I had learned through the year, the way I have progressed with the team and executing a good race."

Reflecting on his first season as a Ferrari driver, Sainz added: "I have enjoyed it a lot.

"I think it is one of my favourite seasons in F1 in terms of just enjoying F1 and enjoying being part of this sport and this team.

"It has been quite hectic, a lot of races but also a lot of good times. I still enjoy myself, at the same time I have managed to improve myself during the year.

"I feel like I [finished] the season much stronger than I started it so there is that important progression inside the team.

"I have seen changes inside the team, also, that have gone in the right direction so obviously, the feeling going into next year is positive, we are going into a good moment with good momentum."

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