Is Carlos Sainz joining Mercedes? That is what the F1 community is looking forward to. However, this isn’t true (not yet). The shutter on his career seems to be dropping as the Spaniard hunts for a team with hardly any options left. In his final year with Ferrari, ‘Smooth Operator’ wants to end it on a good note. With Alpine emerging as a top candidate to seal the deal with Sainz, he is willing to look for more.

Well, there are barely any seats left! But rumors have been abuzz with a new story – Carlos Sainz is waiting for one to show up at Mercedes or Red Bull. Well, there are possibilities in the given scenario, but it would be too risky to wait for too long. And as it seems, teams are actually losing their interest in signing the Spaniard. Meanwhile, the driver market is going haywire due to Sainz’s indecision.

Is Hamilton better than Carlos Sainz- What does the Spaniard think?

In his recent conversation with GQ Espana, the 29-year-old shared how his 2024 season started with a strange feeling. The news of Lewis Hamilton replacing him in 2025, wasn’t in his bingo card. But well, it did happen. As most curious minds asked – will Hamilton be the suitable replacement for Sainz? He was asked a similar question here too. “Is Lewis Hamilton better than you?”

Carlos Sainz gave his honest answer to this stance: “Well, I honestly don’t think so, obviously not. Just like if you ask the other 18 drivers this question they will answer the same thing.” Sainz doesn’t believe Hamilton is better than him, as he continued, “I think I am the best option for any Formula 1 team because if I didn’t have this mentality I wouldn’t be a Formula 1 driver and I wouldn’t have the competitive spirit that I have. And the other drivers will answer the same thing.” He also implied that in terms of the present sport, he feels he is better than the legend. Sainz noted meaning it from an athlete’s point of view, and anyone in his place would’ve said the same thing, according to him.

But most importantly, Sainz understands why Ferrari reached out for the Mercedes driver. This is a reflection of Carlos’ maturity, he is now solely focusing on enhancing his performance and looking out for a team where he can nurture his future. He might have felt an initial blow on knowing about the replacement, but Carlos Sainz has accepted his fate and is somewhat satisfied that the ‘best’ is replacing him.

Sainz has come to terms with his replacement in Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton is a brand in himself. He is like Midas, anything he touches turns into gold, precious rather. “I obviously understand Ferrari’s decision, the opportunity to sign a seven-time world champion, and what that can entail and attract a team,” said Sainz. This is why he claims to be looking at the situation reflectively. “It hasn’t hurt me so much,” the Spaniard informed.

In the end, it’s not that any other driver is replacing him. They are switching him with the best driver that has ever been. “And in the end, if I have to be replaced by one, let it be that one.” Carlos Sainz’s understanding of the situation reflects his love and respect for the Prancing Horse. After spending four seasons with Ferrari, it is going to be a tough goodbye. However, his future lies ahead. And ‘Smooth Operator’ will surely find its way into the 2025 grid.

Even if Carlos Sainz believes he’s better than Lewis Hamilton, he knows that the latter is a walking legacy. From an athlete’s perspective, Sainz keeps himself on the top followed by the others. But, he realizes how important Hamilton is going to be for Ferrari. And despite his future being in the dark, Sainz emotes satisfaction for his team’s bright future ahead.