F1 Legend Goes on a Ballistic Rant Against Ferrari For Carlos Sainz ‘Embarrassment’

Lewis Hamilton stole the sports headlines a few days ago when his sensational 2025 move to Ferrari was announced. He is expected to partner Charles Leclerc, who recently signed a contract extension. However, this pretty much leaves Carlos Sainz Jr. on the lurch and job-hunting for 2025. In light of this, former Ferrari driver Rene Arnoux sympathized with the Spaniard’s plight, as it came as a surprise for him.

In a way, it feels like a betrayal, because Sainz Jr snatched the only non-Red Bull win in 2023. At a time when Max Verstappen was practically invincible, the #55 driver broke the monotony. Yet, despite his best efforts, the team ‘rewarded’ him by taking his well-deserved seat and giving it to Hamilton. No disrespect to Lewis Hamilton, as his accolades speak for themselves, but Carlos Sainz Jr deserved better than to be unceremoniously booted.

Carlos Sainz Jr found an ally in the form of an ex-Ferrari driver

Evidently, Arnoux felt the same way, because he staunchly defended the Spaniard. According to him, it was practically humiliating and would have felt like a slap in the face. Additionally, the news could possibly dent his confidence, especially so close to the start of the season. This, in turn, could also affect his hopes of trying to search for a new team for the 2025 campaign.

Arnoux told Gazzetta, “I find it very wrong, it’s something that greatly embarrasses Sainz. Taking a slap like this at the start of the season won’t do him any good and who knows if he’ll be able to repeat an exploit like in Singapore. If a team had done something like that to me, I would ‘I would have taken it very, very badly.”

WATCH THIS STORY: McLaren F1 Boss Uses Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo to Highlight Major Flaws With Red Bull Racing

What are Carlos Sainz Jr’s options for 2025?

The #55 driver will now have to treat the 2024 season as one massive audition. If he can bang in consistently good performances for Ferrari, maybe another top team could acquire his services. Hamilton’s move could serve as a lynchpin to trigger a number of moves in 2025, especially since many drivers’ contracts are expiring. Sainz Jr is one of at least 14 drivers who will become free agents at the end of 2024.

READ MORE: Audi, Aston Martin or Mercedes? What Team Should Carlos Sainz Move to after Lewis Hamilton’s Shock Ferrari Deal?

The Spanish driver has a number of options laid out in front of him. As it happens, Audi could be the favorites, as they will take over what is now known as the Stake F1 team. Additionally, Sainz’s father Carlos Sainz Sr also drives for Audi in the Dakar Rally and has been very successful. Another option could be for Red Bull to try and rope him in, as Sainz Jr was part of the Red Bull family.