Carlos Sainz, who recently made way for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, expressed optimism about his former team’s prospects with the veteran world champion’s addition. Hamilton, leaving Mercedes for Ferrari, is eyeing an unprecedented eighth drivers’ world title and will debut with the Italian team at the Australian Grand Prix next month.
Now with Williams, Sainz shared his thoughts during the British team’s 2025 launch at Silverstone. “Leaving Ferrari, I felt they and Charles [Leclerc] were on the brink of championship contention. Lewis’s arrival will only bolster their chances,” Sainz noted.
🚨| Toto Wolff reveals that Carlos Sainz Sr. tipped him off about Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari, which he tried to confirm from Fred Vasseur :
"The old man Sainz called me and said this is what’s happening. Then there were a few drivers that rang me up that didn’t before. (I)… pic.twitter.com/0boNAp7w56
— sim (@sim3744) November 8, 2024
While Sainz has never partnered with Hamilton and thus hasn’t seen his data, he acknowledged the formidable track record Hamilton brings to Ferrari. “Looking at Lewis’s achievements, it’s clear he’ll be a strong competitor,” he added.
Hamilton is scheduled to unveil his Ferrari in London at the Formula One season launch before visiting Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello to meet the press.
A razão da evolução lenta do contrato de Carlos Sainz seria a sensacional tentativa de levar Lewis Hamilton à Ferrari em 2025 ao lado de Charles Leclerc.
Mesmo que Lewis diga diversas vezes do seu comprometimento com a Mercedes, esse seria o plano de Frederic Vasseur.… pic.twitter.com/aAHkiM56My
— Mercedes-AMG F1 Brasil 🇧🇷 (@MercedesAMGF1BR) February 1, 2024
Despite Williams’s struggles, finishing ninth in the 2024 constructors’ standings, Sainz is positive about his contributions to the team’s revival. “I bring a wealth of experience that can be instrumental for Williams,” he asserted. Sainz, a four-time Grand Prix winner, will be joined by Alex Albon, who is eager to leverage this partnership. “Facing Carlos, with his strong track record, presents a great challenge and an exciting opportunity for growth,” Albon stated.
This dynamic within the teams suggests a promising season ahead, with veteran insights and new alignments poised to shake up the Formula One standings.