Leclerc: I wouldn't be driver I am today without Sainz as teammate

The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the last race in which Leclerc shared the Ferrari garage with Sainz, as the latter is now a Williams driver from 2025 and beyond, with Lewis Hamilton replacing him.

Sainz was Leclerc's Ferrari teammate for four Formula 1 seasons, in which he pushed the Monegasque hard over the course of their partnership.

Leclerc was full of praise for Sainz following the 2024 season finale and explained the impact of being the Spaniard's teammate; he said: "I can tell you, Carlos is so incredibly talented.

"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 teammate. And I think if we have done such a step forward in a year and in these four years, it's a big thanks to Carlos," he explained.

Lando Norris predicted that Sainz will propel his new team, Williams, forwards, and Leclerc echoed the McLaren driver's sentiments while lamenting bad luck that prevented Sainz from landing a better seat.

"He's just been extremely quick," Leclerc added. "And in Formula 1, 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."

Leclerc looked back on his on-track battles with Sainz; he went on: "I'll definitely miss the fights.

"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 teammate 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," Leclerc concluded.