Sainz ceded the lead from pole to Max Verstappen however reclaimed his place on the entrance on lap 9 with a DRS go on the championship chief into Flip 1.
This was a lead that Sainz continued to construct, guaranteeing that he had loads of margin to soak up any transient moments of strain from team-mate Charles Leclerc, or Lando Norris’ late-race push.
Talking to Sky Sports activities, the Spaniard stated that he had been extremely eager to complete his time at Ferrari on a excessive with a minimum of another race win earlier than he strikes to Williams for 2025.
“It is only a matter of that I believe everybody knew I wished another race win with Ferrari. I felt like I additionally deserved it,” Sainz stated.
“I have been driving properly all 12 months and I have been pushing flat out, holding my motivation excessive even in a tough circumstance, and wanting to offer every thing for this workforce.
“I felt like I drove some actually good races and another I needed to win. Finally, it occurred and it needed to be in Mexico, in entrance of my household, which is nice.
“It doesn’t suggest that I am not going to try to win extra. Nevertheless it needed to be right here.”
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-24
Picture by: Dom Romney / Motorsport Photos
Sainz reckoned that the presence of his household on the race and his confidence with the automotive led him to really feel “one thing was undoubtedly cooking” within the Mexico weekend.
He admitted that he made his day tougher by shedding place to Verstappen at the beginning, however crucially had the boldness — and tempo — to return the favour on his former team-mate.
“Actually, it is among the finest emotions on this planet for positive. I felt like after Checo in all probability they have been supporting me,” he added.
“Since I arrived in Mexico, I had a sense that the win was potential. I knew my household was coming to see me right here this weekend. My mum was going to be current. I knew I hadn’t gained a race with my mum in entrance of me.
“My finest buddies are right here, my dad, and I used to be like ‘there is perhaps one thing cooking this weekend, and I want to ensure I do every thing I can to win this race’.
“Despite the fact that I made it a bit tough with the beginning, then I made it stick to Max and I loved that race from then onwards.”
