Carlos Sainz has finally opened up about the seismic shift in his Formula 1 career trajectory following the announcement that Lewis Hamilton will take his seat at Ferrari in 2025. The ripple effects of this change have sparked speculation about Sainz’s next move, with rumors linking him to Sauber-Audi. Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, opined that Sainz’s “bargaining power” in the driver market might have taken a hit, while Flavio Briatore, the former Renault boss, sees a fiery Sainz entering the winter test, possibly seeking vindication but also fitting well into the Audi fold, much like his rally legend father.
In the wake of the official announcement, Sainz faced a barrage of inquiries during the launch of his new kart brand, CS55. Remaining composed, he shared with Sky Italia, “I’m calm, I’m fine,” showcasing resilience amidst the upheaval. Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ principal, revealed that Hamilton’s decision was a recent disclosure, yet Sainz indicated he was privy to developments well in advance, telling reporters, “From the inside I knew and saw things before all of you.”
Sainz refuted any notion that his F1 career is now under a cloud of uncertainty, affirming his self-worth and optimism for the future. His immediate focus, however, is on delivering his utmost for Ferrari in the upcoming season, despite acknowledging the emotional challenge of parting ways with the team.
Facing his final year with Ferrari, Sainz is determined not to let the transition affect his performance. He expressed a singular focus on achieving championship glory, indicating that the knowledge of his departure will not dampen his competitive spirit. When quizzed about offering Hamilton any advice for the Maranello switch, Sainz responded with a light-hearted suggestion to try his kart, displaying his undiminished spirit and humor despite the circumstances.
