It has been a week of major shifts in the F1 landscape. However, the biggest news by far was the decision by Lewis Hamilton to switch to Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season. And it’s one of those decisions that will trigger a huge domino effect in the F1 driver market. Every single team and every single driver can potentially be affected by this move. But it has impacted Carlos Sainz the most. And the Spaniard has yet again spoken on the being let go by his team, hinting that he knew the decision was coming.
Just a month ago, Sainz was in talks with Ferrari for a new contract, but now he finds himself without a seat for 2025 as he is about to get into his last season in Red. Despite what some might call a harsh dismissal, Carlos Sainz assures his fans that he’s coping well with the recent turn of events. The Madrid-born driver is determined to finish his time with Ferrari on a positive note.
Carlos Sainz will gun for the championship in his final shot with Ferrari
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Despite being excluded from Ferrari’s future plans, the Spaniard appeared calm and unfazed during a recent public appearance at the Cremona circuit to present his all-new CS55 kart. Sainz knows that the 2024 season is going to be crucial for him. Not only to prove himself to the Scuderia but also to attract the best possible drive for 2025. He reassured the people present at the presentation that he was fine and they didn’t need to worry about him.
He has already driven for multiple teams in the past including McLaren, Toro Rosso, and Renault so he is sure to have enough contacts on his speed dial to try and find a new drive for 2025 to continue his F1 dream of becoming a world champion. Speaking on Ferrari’s decision, Carlos Sainz explained as per it.motorsport.com, “No, I am not disappointed. Being at Ferrari from within I already knew several things and I prepared myself with the team in view of future changes.“
💥 Carlos Sainz: "Soy consciente de lo que valgo como piloto y no le tengo miedo al futuro".
👉 "No, no estoy decepcionado. Estando en Ferrari desde dentro ya sabía varias cosas y me preparé con el equipo en vista de futuros cambios".
👉 "Lo cierto es que no es la mejor… pic.twitter.com/sb6WDAs9Lp
— Fórmula Directa (@FormulaDirecta) February 6, 2024
He also emphasized the importance of ending his career with Ferrari on a high note. “I’m aware of my worth as a driver, and for this reason, when I look to the future, I’m very calm. Good things will surely come, but for now, my goal is to give my best with Ferrari… When I put on the helmet in Bahrain and hit the track, the only feeling I’ll have is the desire to go faster, aiming for the World Championship victory,” he added.
While it may look like Carlos Sainz is in a tough spot heading into 2024, according to an F1 expert, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Spaniard.
Lawrence Barretto explores possible future options for Sainz
According to F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto, Carlos Sainz will not have plenty of options to choose from for his 2025 campaign. He suggests that Sainz might be the one who benefits the most from the driver market shakeup resulting from Hamilton’s move. There’s no doubt that Sainz has consistently given good performances at Ferrari, and that will work in the Spaniard’s favor.
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🎙️| Carlos Sainz Sr. about his son’s departure of the team:
“Well we are here celebrating another thing, and well Ferrari decided it like that and we have to respect the decisions.”#CarlosSainz | #Ferrari pic.twitter.com/dZ3XVZj5xU
— Carlos Sainz News (@CSainzNews_) February 2, 2024
Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Barretto said that his departure from Ferrari could prove to be a good thing for him as he could end up being in a team that may suit better for his career trajectory. Mercedes and Red Bull will surely be on the lookout for a driver as the 2024 season comes to a close, and both teams are likely to be a good option for Sainz. However, Sainz has also been linked closely to the Stake F1 team (soon to become Audi). There are also talks about Fernando Alonso moving to Mercedes so Aston Martin can also be a potential option for Sainz to explore.
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Watch This Story | McLaren F1 Boss Uses Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo to Highlight Major Flaws With Red Bull Racing
Regardless of where Carlos Sainz ends up for 2025, the 2024 season promises to be a thriller with the promise of a ton of driver movements.