Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz got behind the wheel of a Ferrari once again this week during an exclusive dinner outing with his former McLaren teammate, Lando Norris. The pair reunited in Monaco after last weekend’s race in Imola as they prepare for the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, the eighth round of the 2025 F1 championship. The occasion also highlighted the close friendship between the two drivers, each of whom calls Monaco home.
Monaco Becomes the Gathering Place for F1 Stars Before the Grand Prix
Both Carlos Sainz, the Spanish racing star, and Lando Norris, who hails from Britain, have chosen Monaco as their residence, a common location for F1 drivers when not competing or traveling on the demanding 24-race schedule. The Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious events on the calendar, is set to take place this weekend. The race weekend will begin on Friday, May 23, with practice sessions, followed by a critical qualifying round on Saturday, and culminating in the main race on Sunday.
In the lead-up to this major event, Sainz and Norris took time to enjoy some downtime together over dinner. Sainz arrived in style, driving his Ferrari Daytona SP3, a rare and exclusive vehicle valued at approximately $4 million. This Ferrari features a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine that produces 829 horsepower, making it the most powerful non-hybrid V12 in Ferrari’s history. Earlier this year, he acquired the car locally in Monaco.
Additionally, last year, Ferrari gifted Sainz a Ferrari F1-75 car as a parting gesture when the team replaced him with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, which led Sainz to join Williams for the current season.
Sainz’s Strong Start to Life at Williams Ahead of the Monaco Challenge
Now in his debut season with Williams, Carlos Sainz has experienced a mixed but encouraging start. Despite the challenges of joining a new team, he has shown flashes of his potential within what is already Williams’ most accomplished season since 2018. Through seven rounds, Sainz and teammate Alex Albon have collectively earned 51 points, helping Williams secure fifth place in the constructors‘ championship. The team is led by James Vowles, who has guided this positive turnaround.
At the recent Imola Grand Prix, Sainz delivered a solid performance by finishing eighth, just behind Albon who placed fifth. This double points finish highlights an impressive improvement compared to Williams’ struggles last season. With the Monaco GP ahead, Sainz is motivated to narrow the gap to Albon and push Williams even further up the field on this iconic street circuit.
Friendship and Rivalry Amid Monaco’s High Stakes
The dinner shared by Sainz and Norris, two drivers with shared McLaren history now on diverging career paths, offers a rare glimpse into their mutual respect and camaraderie. Both are preparing for intense competition in Monaco, a track known for its difficulty and prestige in Formula 1.
The upcoming Monaco GP takes on even greater significance as drivers aim to maximize their performance in this unique and demanding venue that often proves decisive in the championship standings. For Sainz, maintaining momentum with Williams while rekindling connections with past teammates like Norris signals both personal and professional milestones this season.
As the Monaco weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on these two talented drivers to see how their performances reflect the friendship and rivalry that define their careers, and how Sainz’s experience with Ferrari and transition to Williams shapes the remainder of his promising season.
