Carlos Sainz has experienced it all in Ferrari. But his contract ends in 2024, leaving him without a team. And now, many view replacing Sainz with Lewis Hamilton as a historic move, adding legacy and experience to Ferrari. However, some fans are doubting Hamilton and Leclerc’s compatibility as teammates and prefer Sainz, who has proven his worth with Ferrari. So the question arises: Is Fred Vasseur making the right call?

Former Ferrari boss Peter Windsor expressed concern about the potential dynamic shift when Lewis Hamilton joins the team next year. On his YouTube livestream, he suggested there could be fireworks between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Windsor hinted that if Hamilton outpaces Leclerc, it could spark trouble: “Charles is usually tenth quicker, like George, I think Lewis will always be confident that he can sort of handle Charles in the race or at least take to Charles in the race.” However, “If it’s the other way around I can see Charles starting to get extremely annoyed by the whole situation.”

Furthermore, Windsor implied that Leclerc would prefer to have the upper hand, but Hamilton consistently outperforming him could lead to dissatisfaction. “[Charles will be] Going to Nicholas Todd and saying what have we done here why didn’t we just keep it as it was and tell Fred to keep Carlos Sainz?” he noted while analyzing how Lewis Hamilton‘s presence might disrupt Ferrari’s harmony. Peter also speculated that Leclerc might demand Carlos Sainz’s return, who has outperformed Leclerc, notably excelling at Silverstone despite the latter’s complaints about the car. So, though teamless, Sainz’s strong performances have been a clear message to Ferrari.

Carlos Sainz’s attempts at ‘Smooth Operation’ in his last season with Ferrari

The ‘Smooth Operator’ of F1, Carlos Sainz is in his last lap with Ferrari. Since he entered the team in 2021, he has given incredible memories. His first Grand Prix win came with Ferrari at the 2022 British Grand Prix. The Spaniard had brilliantly orchestrated his victory back then. And that’s not all, his outstanding 2023 Singapore GP was yet another ‘Carlos Sainz Masterclass’. Especially, his message on the radio regarding Lando Norris being in his DRS range – “it’s on purpose” – was magnificent!

This year, Sainz has been different. He is becoming more fierce on the track, seeming like he wants to show Ferrari what they’re going to miss next season, and is not backing out on his teammate either. With five podiums including a win in Australia, ‘Chilli’ is on a roll. But the lights on his future continue to blink as uncertainty lingers over which team he will join. With multiple options in hand, the 29-year-old has chosen to reflect on his career further.

Within the upcoming days, Sainz’s decision will be anticipated. As the Spaniard moves ahead in the ongoing season, standing fourth in the Championship table there’s more left for him to do. Will Ferrari truly regret Sainz’s departure? And will Lewis Hamilton be the key to their long drought of a trophyless cabinet since 2007? What do you think? Share in the comments below.