Carlos Sainz claims his Ferrari replacement. Lewis Hamilton believes that he is not a better driver than everyone else on the grid.
In February, Ferrari announced a shocking deal to lure seven-time world champion Hamilton to the Prancing Horse for the 2025 Formula One season. Given Hamilton’s legendary fame and his readiness to embark on a new voyage after 11 years at Mercedes, the renowned Italian outfit looked to make an easy selection.
Hamilton’s arrival will mark the end of Sainz’s five-year run with Ferrari. And the Spaniard’s future remains uncertain, since he has failed to secure a spot on one of the other teams.
Sainz is not upset about his release, stating that he understands the team’s choice due to the “appeal” of signing a seven-time winner. However, he defended himself by claiming that the choice was not always based on talent.
In an interview with GQ Spain, the 29-year-old stated, “I honestly feel Hamilton is not a better driver than me.” If you ask the other 18 drivers same question, they will all give the same answer. I believe I am the finest choice for any Formula One team because without this mindset, I would not be a Formula One driver and would lack the competitive spirit that I possess.”
In response to the attraction of Hamilton’s prior success for a team like Ferrari, Sainz said, “When I think about it in those terms, it doesn’t bother me so much, since the person who is replacing me is one of the finest drivers in the history of the sport.”
Lewis Hamilton will take Carlos Sainz’ seat next year
The former Renault and McLaren driver said that the year began “in a tricky manner.” He said: “The news and announcement of my non-renewal, as well as Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, gave me a peculiar sensation at the start of the year, knowing that it would be my final year at Ferrari. However, I have had a great start to the season. Obviously, I am looking forward to establishing my value.
“At the moment, I have to seize the opportunity to have a car this year that will allow me to win some podium finishes. I have to take advantage of those winning possibilities since I don’t know whether they will be there next year.”Looking ahead, Sainz is convinced that “having a competitive vehicle” as soon as possible would be just as vital as finding “a project” that will provide him with stability and motivation. “I’m trying to strike a balance between the best of both worlds, which is difficult since it’s a critical decision for my career,” he said.
“Williams is a very symbolic team in Formula One, and it’s one of the few I have left, along with Red Bull Racing and Mercedes. There are two or three teams I haven’t gone to yet that I might visit in the future. I’ve been on five different teams over the last 10 years, and I have fond recollections of all of them.”
He stated that he did not feel undervalued by those who “know Formula One well,” but that the media and fans may have forgotten his abilities. Sainz is now fourth in the drivers’ standings with 154 points, eight behind teammate Charles Leclerc and 29 ahead of Hamilton.
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