After four years of racing for Ferrari, Carlos Sainz has handed over the reins to seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is set to don the iconic Scuderia red starting in the 2025 season. As Sainz moves on to Williams, he shared his perspective on what awaits Hamilton at Ferrari, describing the experience as unparalleled in the world of motorsport.
“There’s Nothing Like Being a Ferrari Driver,” Says Sainz
Reflecting on his tenure at Ferrari, Sainz waxed lyrical about the prestige and emotional connection that comes with being part of the legendary team.
“It’s an incredible place to be part of and an incredible place to drive and feel like a Formula 1 driver,” Sainz said. “He [Hamilton] will get incredible treatment from the Tifosi, the supporters, engineers, and everyone involved in Ferrari. There’s nothing better than being a Ferrari Formula 1 driver.”
Ferrari’s illustrious history, with 16 Constructors’ Championships and 15 Drivers’ World Championships, ensures that every driver who dons its colors becomes part of a storied legacy. For Hamilton, this represents a new chapter in his already remarkable career.
Sainz on Hamilton: “He Doesn’t Need My Advice”
Despite his enthusiasm about Hamilton’s arrival, Sainz downplayed the notion of offering advice to the veteran driver.
“Honestly, I don’t think a seven-time world champion who has changed teams in the past needs my advice,” Sainz quipped. “The only thing I can tell him is to enjoy it.”
Hamilton is no stranger to major career moves. His 2013 switch from McLaren to Mercedes was initially met with skepticism but ultimately paved the way for an era of unprecedented dominance. Now, Ferrari fans are hoping his arrival can reignite their long-standing pursuit of championship glory.
The New Ferrari Line-Up: A Potential Power Duo
Hamilton’s partnership with Ferrari’s “homegrown hero,” Charles Leclerc, promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines of 2025. Both drivers are renowned for their talent and competitive spirit, setting the stage for a potentially electrifying internal rivalry. With Ferrari coming tantalizingly close to securing both titles in 2024, the duo’s dynamic could be the key to unlocking the Scuderia’s long-awaited return to the top.
Sainz’s Next Chapter: The Midfield Battle
As Hamilton steps into the Ferrari spotlight, Sainz begins a new journey with Williams, a team focused on climbing out of the midfield. While it’s a far cry from competing for podiums and wins, Sainz remains optimistic about the challenge ahead.
At Williams, the 30-year-old will likely find himself battling teams like Alpine, Haas, and Racing Bulls (AlphaTauri’s new guise). For Sainz, it’s a chance to rebuild his career and bring his experience to a team hungry for progress.
The Stakes for 2025
Hamilton’s Ferrari debut is one of the most highly anticipated moments in recent F1 history. With the promise of championship contention, his partnership with Leclerc will be under intense scrutiny. Meanwhile, Sainz’s move to Williams represents a stark contrast but also an opportunity to redefine his narrative.
For fans, the 2025 season offers the allure of Hamilton chasing his eighth world title in the legendary Ferrari red—a storyline almost too perfect for the history books. Will it deliver the fairytale ending both Ferrari and Hamilton have been yearning for? Only time will tell.