Carlos Sainz has shared his emotional response after learning that Lewis Hamilton would replace him at Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Spaniard admitted that he was “not prepared” for the news, describing it as a “massive shock” that disrupted his winter plans. Sainz, who was preparing for his fourth season with the Scuderia, had to come to terms with the unexpected change while also securing a new seat with another team.
Dealing with the Surprise Announcement
Sainz’s career took an unexpected turn when Ferrari informed him that they would be replacing him with Hamilton. At the time, the 29-year-old was confident he would remain with the team for the following season, but that certainty was shattered, leading him to face both personal and professional challenges.
Reflecting on the situation during an appearance on the *Beyond The Grid* podcast, Sainz revealed the emotional toll the news took on him:
“I think at the beginning of the year, I was tested more than I’ve ever been tested before and life put me in a situation that was not comfortable at all,” Sainz said. “I was told that I was not going to continue with the team that I was 99% sure I was going to continue with going into that winter. It was a massive shock to my hopes and I obviously didn’t enjoy that moment.”
Despite the shock, Sainz remained focused on his work, determined to give his best on the track. He continued preparing for the season, aiming to be ready to win races and potentially challenge for a championship.
“I still trained and I still prepared for that season, targeting to be ready to win races, to win a championship if the opportunity presented itself,” he said. “But obviously with this uncomfortable situation and an uncomfortable moment.”
A Triumph Over Adversity: The Australian Grand Prix Victory
Sainz’s resilience paid off as he delivered one of his best performances in Formula 1, despite the personal challenges he faced. After recovering from surgery for appendicitis, Sainz won the Australian Grand Prix and clinched a pole position and victory double in Mexico.
Sainz recalled the emotional moment on the podium in Australia:
“I remember being very emotional on that Australian Grand Prix podium because there was my dad there, there was obviously my manager, my girlfriend, everyone who’s been next to me,” he shared. “I was obviously thinking about my mum. They’ve all seen me suffer during the winter. When I say suffer, I don’t mean I was crying behind closed doors, but I was actually hurt. I was hurt because I didn’t expect it.”
Despite the difficulty of the situation, Sainz acknowledged that it ultimately made him stronger:
“I wasn’t prepared for that kind of news. I was a bit in shock for a while. I remember after Australia thinking how lucky I am to have the people that I have around me, supporting me and giving me that inner strength to overcome what was a tough moment. Now when I look back at it, I’m almost happy, proud that it happened, because it made me a much better driver and a much better athlete in general.”
Sainz’s New Chapter: Joining Williams
After weighing his options, Sainz secured a move to Williams for the 2025 season. His first appearance with the team came during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, where he began his transition to his new team. Despite the disappointment at Ferrari, Sainz is focused on helping Williams improve and climb back to the front of the grid.
“I have a very big target in my head now, which is help Williams to bring them back to the front of the field,” Sainz stated, emphasizing that his current focus is on the future with his new team.
Could Sainz Return to Ferrari in the Future?
Although Sainz is determined to make an impact with Williams, he hasn’t completely ruled out a return to Ferrari one day. Reflecting on the possibility, he said:
“Yeah, why not? I don’t see why not. At the same time, I cannot see it happening anytime soon. But life is long. I’m 30. You see drivers at 42 in F1, so if I’m in F1 for as long as that, who tells you that in these next 10 years, Ferrari might need my services again in the future?”
However, Sainz quickly clarified that he wasn’t actively wishing for a return to Ferrari:
“This doesn’t mean I wish for it to happen or I’m looking forward to it or anything like that – I have a very big target in my head now, which is help Williams to bring them back to the front of the field – but I don’t think about it too much.”
Sainz’s journey reflects his resilience and determination to rise above setbacks, and his new chapter with Williams promises to bring new challenges and opportunities for the experienced driver.
