Carlos Sainz Jr.’s exit from Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season was one of the year’s most shocking developments, marking the end of a four-year tenure for the Spaniard at the iconic Scuderia. The catalyst? A “perfect storm” created by Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected availability. Carlos Sainz Sr., the rallying legend and father of the ousted Ferrari driver, recently weighed in on the situation, defending Ferrari’s decision while shedding light on how it unfolded.
Hamilton’s Move Sparks a “Perfect Storm”
The arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari is set to rewrite Formula 1 history, sparking unprecedented fanfare and media attention. According to Sainz Sr., Hamilton himself initiated talks with Ferrari, setting in motion a series of events that eventually led to his son’s dismissal.
“I wouldn’t describe it as the Scuderia behaving badly,” Sainz Sr. said. “The circumstances of the perfect storm have arisen. Ferrari was happy with Carlos, but the possibility appeared because Hamilton himself produced it.”
This acknowledgment reveals that Ferrari’s decision to part ways with Sainz Jr. wasn’t driven by dissatisfaction but by the sheer magnitude of the opportunity to sign Hamilton.
A Cloak-and-Dagger Process
Sainz Sr. admitted that while the process of swapping drivers might have lacked transparency, it was necessary to avoid leaks and maintain confidentiality.
“It is he [Hamilton] who approached Ferrari, then the circumstances arose,” he explained. “Perhaps that process could have been clearer, but then it would have been leaked, and Ferrari did not want it to be.”
The covert nature of the negotiations underscores Ferrari’s need to protect its strategic moves during a highly competitive offseason.
An Emotional Goodbye
Despite the abrupt end to Carlos Sainz Jr.’s Ferrari journey, the Scuderia ensured a dignified farewell. Both father and son were invited to Fiorano for a special day, where they shared the track in Ferrari F1 cars.
“To have the chance to be there with my son, what Ferrari did for him, and invite me to drive together with him was really fantastic,” Sainz Sr. said, reflecting on the emotional sendoff.
The Road Ahead
As Hamilton begins his much-anticipated Ferrari tenure, Carlos Sainz Jr. is gearing up for a fresh start with Williams. Testing sessions have already given Sainz Jr. a feel for his new team’s machinery, and he aims to lead Williams’ resurgence in 2025.
Meanwhile, Ferrari is entering a new era with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc forming what could be a dream pairing—or a combustible rivalry. With Hamilton’s immense experience and Leclerc’s unwavering ambition, Ferrari faces both potential glory and internal challenges.
What’s Next?
Hamilton’s decision to approach Ferrari may have changed the trajectory of multiple careers, but Sainz Sr.’s composed reaction underscores the inevitability of such moves in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. The 2025 season promises intrigue, with shifting dynamics and new rivalries taking center stage. Will Hamilton’s gamble pay off, or will Sainz Jr. find redemption in his Williams seat? Time will tell, but the ripple effects of this “perfect storm” are bound to define the season ahead.