McLaren CEO Zak Brown Speaks Out on Hamilton and Sainz Ferrari Swap
In a shocking move that rocked the F1 world, Ferrari decided to replace Carlos Sainz with seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. As Hamilton faces challenges adapting to his new team, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, who previously worked with Sainz, shared his thoughts on the controversial swap.
Brown expressed relief that he never had to make such a tough decision, emphasizing the complexity of Ferrari’s choice. Despite Sainz’s impressive wins during the 2024 season, including the Australian and Mexican GPs, Ferrari opted for Hamilton, leaving Sainz to secure a deal with Williams.
Both Hamilton and Sainz have faced difficulties with their new teams, with Sainz showing signs of improvement at Williams while Hamilton struggles at Ferrari. Hamilton’s performance has raised concerns, with the driver admitting to a challenging season ahead and a lack of solutions to his current struggles on the track.
Amidst growing scrutiny over Ferrari’s decision, Brown refrained from criticizing the team, acknowledging the value of having a champion like Hamilton while praising Sainz’s skills and character. Brown’s diplomatic stance highlights the complexities and pressures involved in managing top-tier F1 talent.
As Hamilton and Ferrari continue to be under the microscope in the early stages of the 2025 season, Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, delivered a fiery response to critics questioning Hamilton’s form. Vasseur defended the team’s approach, emphasizing the competitive nature of F1 and the continuous strive for improvement.
Despite Hamilton’s challenges, Vasseur reaffirmed Ferrari’s support for the champion driver, emphasizing their commitment to working together to address performance issues. With Hamilton trailing behind teammate Charles Leclerc in the championship standings, the pressure is on for the veteran driver to deliver results and showcase his true potential on the track.
As the F1 season unfolds, all eyes are on Hamilton and Ferrari to see if they can overcome their early struggles and rise to the top of the leaderboard. With intense competition and high stakes, the drama and excitement of the F1 world continue to captivate fans and keep the racing community on the edge of their seats.