Carlos Sainz, who has been a key part of Ferrari’s Formula 1 team since 2021, has shown remarkable composure and professionalism following the team’s decision to replace him with Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. Despite the inevitable disappointment, Sainz holds no ill feelings toward Ferrari for the change, which will see the seven-time world champion join forces with Charles Leclerc.
Sainz, known for his calm demeanor both on and off the track, acknowledged that while the news initially stung, he understands Ferrari’s rationale behind the move. Speaking about the decision, he expressed that there was no breakdown in his relationship with the team. Instead, the transition stemmed from Ferrari’s strategic choice to secure a driver of Hamilton’s caliber for what could be the Briton’s final years in F1.
“I have no bad words for Ferrari, and I don’t think they have any bad words for me either,” Sainz said. “It’s not a relationship that has broken down because we’re unhappy with each other, but because of a circumstantial cause.”
The Spaniard further elaborated that had Hamilton not decided to end his career at Ferrari, he likely would have been offered a contract extension. Hamilton’s decision, however, has had significant ripple effects beyond the paddock, including a sharp rise in Ferrari’s share prices, highlighting the immense market value the British driver brings to the team.
“I remain convinced that if Hamilton had not wanted to finish his career at Ferrari, I would have renewed [with them],” Sainz added.
Though Sainz won’t be with Ferrari next year, he remains confident that his contributions over the past seasons will leave a lasting impact on the team’s future success. However, as the season winds down, he is focused solely on his current responsibilities and has made it clear that his attention will be on his new journey with Williams in 2025.
“Something from me will have contributed, but I won’t be following Ferrari’s year closely. My head will be focused on the present. That feeling will not exist,” he concluded.
As Sainz approaches the final six races of his Ferrari tenure, he can reflect proudly on a partnership that yielded several Grand Prix victories, including his first-ever pole position at the 2022 British GP. His win at Albert Park this season further cemented his crucial role in Ferrari’s campaign as he prepares for his next chapter at Williams.
