Carlos Sainz has acknowledged that Ferrari’s prospects for the 2025 Formula 1 season have received a boost with the addition of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton to the team.
Sainz, who is set to begin a new chapter with Williams after signing a multi-year deal, was replaced at Ferrari by Hamilton, a move that has sparked significant discussion in the paddock.
A Surprising Move and High Hopes for Ferrari
Sainz’s departure from Ferrari came after a season in which he claimed two victories—Australia and Mexico—establishing himself as one of the sport’s top talents. However, Ferrari made the controversial decision to replace him with Hamilton, whose arrival was announced in 2024.
The decision left many, including former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan, questioning Ferrari’s strategy. Initially, Jordan had criticized the move, but he later admitted that Ferrari had likely made the right choice, particularly for commercial reasons.
Despite being replaced, Sainz has expressed a positive outlook for Ferrari’s future. At a recent test session at Silverstone, Sainz commented on the team’s potential with Hamilton at the helm.
“When I left Ferrari, I felt the team was ready to fight for a World Championship,” Sainz remarked. “With Lewis joining, that chance only got increased.”
A Respectful Understanding of Ferrari’s Decision
Though Sainz was “hurt” by Ferrari’s decision, he conceded that the team’s rationale was clear given Hamilton’s legendary status in the sport. On F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, Sainz explained that if it had been any other driver replacing him, he would have struggled to understand. But Hamilton, as one of F1’s greatest, was a different case.
Sainz also noted that his position at Ferrari had always been secondary to Charles Leclerc, who had been integral to the team’s future since his early days with the Scuderia.
With Sainz now focused on Williams and Hamilton settling into Ferrari, it’s clear that the 2025 season will be full of new challenges and opportunities for both drivers.