Hamilton has shocked the entirety of the grid by revealing his departure from Mercedes at the culmination of 2024, poised to replace Sainz at Ferrari.
The 39-year-old initially committed to continuing his tenure with the Silver Arrows for the forthcoming year prior to an early termination of his contract.
The rapid execution of this momentous transfer even took Sainz by surprise, as he addressed the public for the first time since its confirmation.
During Ferrari’s SF-24 launch, Sainz disclosed, “I was somewhat taken aback, much like everyone in the Formula 1 community.
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“From my perspective, you can understand I became privy to the news slightly ahead of others and had a few weeks to ponder and prepare, alongside readying for the car unveiling and the season opener.
This afforded me some time to assimilate it, formulate my own perspectives, and concentrate on the 2024 season.
I’ve received numerous supportive messages, for which I’d like to express my gratitude to the F1 fraternity and friends back home, who have been remarkably encouraging.”
Sainz’s triumph in Singapore stood as the sole non-Red Bull victory in 2023, thwarting the constructor champions’ bid for an undefeated season.
Nevertheless, the two-time race victor now finds himself scrambling to secure a seat for 2025 after Charles Leclerc’s protracted extension with Ferrari.
He remarked, “As for my next team, it remains uncertain, and I have ample time to deliberate upon it when the time arrives. There are numerous options available.
“I am approaching the most pivotal three or four years of my career and want to ensure I’m positioned optimally.
“I’ll be attentive to all possibilities so that when the time comes to decide, I’ve allowed myself sufficient time and information.
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“It’s entirely feasible to compartmentalise these matters. I have a proficient management team to handle that, enabling me to channel my complete focus on the Bahrain opener and commence the season as robustly as possible.
“The rest will naturally unfold in due course.
“The fact that I won’t be a Ferrari driver in 2025 doesn’t diminish our aspirations to clinch titles and victories together this year.”