Carlos Sainz Admits Ferrari’s F1 Title Hopes Soar with Lewis Hamilton’s…read more
Carlos Sainz has openly acknowledged that Ferrari’s prospects of winning a Formula 1 world championship have significantly improved with Lewis Hamilton’s move to the iconic Italian team. The seven-time world champion’s high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season has sent shockwaves through the paddock, and Sainz, who finds himself moving to Williams, believes this change could finally end Ferrari’s long title drought.
Reflecting on Ferrari’s strong finish to the 2024 season, Sainz admitted that the team had been extremely close to clinching their first constructors’ championship since 2008, only to lose out to a resurgent McLaren. With Hamilton now in the mix alongside Charles Leclerc, Sainz thinks Ferrari is in an even stronger position to claim both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
In a candid interview, Sainz acknowledged Hamilton’s exceptional track record, though he noted that he had never been team-mates with the British driver and thus hadn’t had the opportunity to analyze his on-track performance firsthand. “I’ve never seen his data,” Sainz remarked, emphasizing that the best way to truly evaluate a driver is to share a garage with them, where you can observe their capabilities up close.
“I’ve seen Charles [Leclerc] and I know how good Charles is, but I’ve never been team-mates with Lewis,” Sainz continued. “When I judge by results, his background, and what he’s achieved, I can only say there is a very high chance that he is going to be competitive at Ferrari.”
However, Sainz was quick to point out that Hamilton’s success with Ferrari isn’t guaranteed. In Formula 1, success often hinges on a complex web of variables. How quickly Hamilton adapts to Ferrari’s car, how well he integrates into the team’s culture, and even Leclerc’s form at the time will all play crucial roles. “There are so many variables that it is impossible for me to predict,” Sainz admitted, suggesting that while Hamilton’s pedigree is undeniable, the sport remains unpredictable.
Sainz’s move to Williams for 2025 is seen as a new chapter in his career, though it comes with the bittersweet reality that he’s leaving Ferrari just as the team seems poised for a major breakthrough. Still, Sainz spoke positively about Ferrari’s trajectory, implying that with Hamilton’s experience and Leclerc’s raw talent, the Scuderia could finally return to the pinnacle of F1 glory.
As Ferrari fans eagerly await the new season, Sainz’s comments only add to the anticipation, hinting that 2025 could be the year that Ferrari’s championship drought finally comes to an end — with Hamilton playing a leading role in that success.
