Carlos Sainz snubs Lewis Hamilton as he names the four contenders for…read more
Carlos Sainz has found himself excluded from a potential Formula 1 title challenge after Ferrari chose not to renew his contract. Instead, the team has signed seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, a decision they could not pass up despite Sainz’s commendable performances. Sainz had made significant strides with Ferrari since joining in 2021, when the team was coming off its worst season since 1980, having finished sixth in the championship. Over the course of his tenure, Sainz helped bring Ferrari back to competitiveness, and by his final year, the team was very close to a title.
In 2024, Ferrari secured five race wins and a staggering 22 podium finishes, amassing 652 points – just 14 points behind eventual champions McLaren. This narrow margin highlighted the progress Ferrari had made under Sainz’s leadership, positioning them as serious contenders for the 2025 season. However, despite Sainz’s contributions, Ferrari decided to bring in Hamilton for 2025, a move that could elevate the team to even greater heights.
The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to feature cars that are mainly incremental updates of their predecessors, with minimal changes to the regulations. This situation benefits teams like Ferrari, who had a strong 2024, as they are in a better position to capitalize on the steady evolution of the cars. The key question surrounding Ferrari’s decision to hire Hamilton is whether the 40-year-old can still perform at the top level. Hamilton’s status as the most successful driver in F1 history is undeniable, but his underwhelming performances in 2024 have led to concerns about his ability to remain at his peak.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks a significant moment in F1, as it sees the iconic driver leave Mercedes, the team where he achieved his unprecedented success. While Ferrari has made considerable strides, they are still in search of their first title since 2007, and Hamilton could provide the expertise needed to push the team over the line. Sainz, on the other hand, will likely feel that he has done the hard work in getting Ferrari back into the hunt for a championship, only to miss out on the opportunity to finish the job.
In a recent interview, Sainz spoke about the prospects for the 2025 title fight, naming four contenders who he believes will be in the mix: himself, his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. Interestingly, he did not include himself in the race for the 2025 title, perhaps acknowledging that his chances have been dashed with the arrival of Hamilton. With Hamilton now in the picture, the 2025 title fight promises to be an exciting contest, with established stars and new contenders all vying for the crown.
