The 2025 Formula 1 season will be forever etched in history as the year Lewis Hamilton realized his lifelong dream of racing in red for Ferrari, a move that simultaneously ended Carlos Sainz Jr.’s tenure with the Italian marque. But according to Carlos Sainz Sr., the seeds of Hamilton’s dramatic switch were sown by the seven-time world champion himself.
Hamilton’s Bold Approach
Contrary to the initial narrative that Ferrari chairman John Elkann had wooed Hamilton, Sainz Sr. revealed in a candid interview with El Cafelito that the Briton was the one who made the first move.
“Hamilton himself produced the opportunity,” Sainz Sr. said. “It is he who approached Ferrari, then the circumstances arose.”
This revelation paints a picture of Hamilton as the architect of his Ferrari switch, leveraging an exit clause in his 2023 Mercedes contract to open the door to his “dream” team.
Sainz Caught in the Crossfire
The arrival of Hamilton at Ferrari came at a price—Sainz Jr.’s seat. With Charles Leclerc having already secured a long-term deal with the Scuderia, it was clear that Sainz, despite strong performances, was the odd man out.
Sainz Sr. acknowledged that while the process wasn’t entirely transparent, it had to remain confidential to avoid leaks.
“Perhaps that process could have been clearer, but then it would have been leaked, and Ferrari did not want it to be,” he explained.
A Graceful Exit
Despite the heartbreak of losing his seat, Sainz Jr. and Ferrari parted on amicable terms. The Spaniard was granted an early release to test with Williams, his new team, at the Abu Dhabi post-season session. But Ferrari didn’t stop there—they orchestrated a rare and emotional farewell.
In an unprecedented move, Ferrari invited Sainz Jr. and his father to Fiorano, where the two-time World Rally Champion and Dakar winner shared the track with his son, piloting the very car in which Carlos Jr. claimed his maiden F1 victory.
“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. “It was an unbelievable day.”
Hamilton’s Dream Realized Amid Mercedes’ Hesitation
Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes came down to timing and commitment. Reports suggest Mercedes hesitated to offer the long-term extension Hamilton desired, opening the door for Ferrari to swoop in.
The Briton’s debut in red has been highly anticipated, with fans and pundits eager to see how he will fare alongside Leclerc. Meanwhile, Mercedes now finds itself rebuilding, aiming to reclaim the dominance it once enjoyed with Hamilton at the helm.
The Stakes for 2025
As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari, Sainz Jr. is preparing to spearhead Williams’ resurgence. Both drivers face critical junctures in their careers, albeit on very different paths.
For Ferrari, the 2025 season isn’t just about living up to Hamilton’s legacy—it’s about delivering a car worthy of his and Leclerc’s title aspirations. For Sainz Jr., it’s a chance to prove that being let go by Ferrari was a misstep.
One thing is certain: this saga has set the stage for one of the most thrilling seasons in F1 history.