While some drivers might still be writing their lists ahead of the Christmas festivities, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has picked up an early present, to himself, from himself.
Last year the Spaniard visited Ferrari’s custom service in Maranello to design his very own Ferrari 812 Competizione, which can be customised and enhanced in a number of ways.
Vlogging for his YouTube series ‘DONTBLINK’ last year, Sainz spent almost a whole day going through the finer details of his new supercar, as he looked to treat himself following his move to Ferrari.
Since joining the Scuderia, Sainz has already purchased a Ferrari Roma, coming in at an eye-watering $250,000 to add to his two McLarens that he picked up while racing alongside Lando Norris.
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The Ferrari 812 Competizione is one of the most impressive pieces of machinery that Ferrari have ever produced and will have set Sainz back a minimum of $600,000, depending on the various customisations that he may have added to the car.
The car boasts an 818-horsepower 6.5 litre V12 engine that revs to 9,500rpm, allowing it to go from zero to 60mph in less than three seconds.
With a reported net worth of around $47m, Sainz’s new purchase will not have put too much of a dent in the Spaniard’s bank account, however it may lead to an expensive supercar addiction for the Ferrari driver.
One of the personal customisations that came with Sainz’s latest purchase was having the phrase ‘smooth operator’ printed on the car as a nod to the 28-year-old’s famous singing over the team radio, which started during his time with McLaren.
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Charles Leclerc went with the festively dressed Sainz to see his new, matte black Ferrari for the first time, as the pair continue to build a strong friendship during their time together at Ferrari.
Sainz has explained that Leclerc’s strong performances at the start of 2022 forced him to rethink his driving style and adjust his set up, however he now feels capable to battling his teammate on the racetrack.
Under the new leadership of Fred Vasseur next season, both drivers will have title winning ambitions next season as Ferrari look to take advantage of a wounded Red Bull team who are serving their punishment for breaching the 2021 cost cap.