F1 Champion Jacques Villeneuve Warns Ferrari May Suffer After Choosing Hamilton Over Sainz
Ferrari’s bold decision to sign seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season was meant to be a statement of ambition. The Italian team saw Hamilton’s move from Mercedes as a chance to inject experience, pedigree, and global star power into their driver lineup. However, the fallout from parting ways with Carlos Sainz is already sparking debate, with former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve warning that Ferrari could end up regretting the switch.
Sainz, who was released by Ferrari to make way for Hamilton, landed a drive at Williams. Many saw this as a step down for the Spaniard, given Williams’ struggles in recent years. Yet, the 30-year-old has quickly silenced critics with strong performances, most notably in Baku, where he delivered a podium finish. Remarkably, Sainz has already collected more podiums for Williams this season than Hamilton has managed in a Ferrari. The contrast has sparked questions about whether Ferrari made the right choice in prioritizing Hamilton’s star appeal over Sainz’s steady and consistent performances.
Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, has been particularly vocal about the consequences of Ferrari’s decision. Speaking to OLBG, he pointed out a pattern that seems to follow Sainz’s career moves: whenever he departs a team, their fortunes decline. “Every time Carlos Sainz leaves, the team suffers,” Villeneuve remarked, suggesting that Ferrari could be the latest victim of this trend. Sainz, now in his fifth Formula 1 team after stints with Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari, has built a reputation as a dependable and highly capable driver.
The Canadian former champion also defended Sainz against past criticism. Some observers have long argued that Sainz lacked the raw pace of his peers, but Villeneuve disagrees. “Carlos Sainz had an amazing weekend. He was close to pole and then managed to keep himself in the fight for the podium. He’s always been a very mature, strong driver,” Villeneuve explained. He praised Sainz’s composure under pressure, describing him as “a cool cat” who remains calm, collected, and strategic even in the most challenging race situations.
Villeneuve also noted the mental strength Sainz has displayed this season. Despite enduring a turbulent year, marked by uncertainty about his future and the disappointment of losing his Ferrari seat, the Spaniard has not allowed the pressure to destabilize him. “It’s probably been stupidly tiring,” Villeneuve admitted, but he emphasized that Sainz’s performances suggest he has turned frustration into motivation.
For Ferrari, the stakes are high. Hamilton’s arrival was intended to reignite their championship challenge, but so far the transition has not produced the expected results. Meanwhile, Sainz’s resurgence at Williams highlights just how costly his departure could be. If Ferrari struggles while Sainz thrives, the narrative may shift to suggest that the team prioritized marketing value and Hamilton’s legendary status over a driver who still had much to give in their colors.
As the season unfolds, Ferrari’s gamble will come under closer scrutiny. For now, Villeneuve’s warning serves as a reminder that reputation and past glory do not always guarantee future success—and that letting go of Carlos Sainz may prove to be a mistake the Scuderia cannot afford.
