Carlos Sainz will leave Ferrari. The departure was announced in February when the Prancing Horse let the world know that seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, would be wearing the red suit from the 2025 Formula 1 season. An unexpected move from Mercedes, made possible by the release clause the British driver requested and obtained in his renewal with the Brackley team for two seasons. The Englishman will join Charles Leclerc, the flagbearer of the Maranello team. A dream team that will undoubtedly be envied by the entire paddock.
Many have already speculated on this matter. There is a popular theory that Lewis Hamilton will be soundly beaten by the Monegasque driver. Another suggests that the experience and absolute skill of the seven-time F1 world champion will overshadow Charles Leclerc, reducing him to the status of second driver. Either way, it will be a success, as the technical skill driving the Italian cars will be extremely high. Frederic Vasseur, the prodigious French leader, has already stated that no problems will arise and that both Ferrari drivers will fight, perhaps even against each other, but united by the same destiny: to take Ferrari as high as possible.
A duo made possible by Carlos Sainz making way. The Spaniard will leave Ferrari after four seasons, having delivered many strong performances, not counting what might still happen in the remaining 15 races this year. Three victories so far with the red car: Great Britain 2022, Singapore 2023, and Australia 2024, compared to the four secured by Charles Leclerc since they have shared the garage. His performance in some phases of the seasons with the Italian team has been sometimes inconsistent, with dark periods alternating with truly optimal ones. The Spaniard apparently did not fully convince Fred Vasseur.
As we know, part of the decision to dispense with his services comes from President John Elkann. The confirmation came during the Monte Carlo celebrations, where Gianni Agnelli’s grandson, warmly congratulating the Spaniard, did not receive the same enthusiastic response. On the contrary, Carlos seemed almost uncomfortable, despite appearing as a tough character, he is actually a very sensitive guy. Those who know him well have revealed this throughout the years.
Those who frequent the paddock regularly will have noticed that Carlos Sainz’s father, the world champion who has collected titles in Rally and Dakar, almost always accompanies his son on his travels around the world. The two are very close and although the Spaniard has an agent representing him, Carlos Onorio, it is not unusual to see the former rally driver in close contact with other teams. This has been the case in recent months, as he has been spotted in Mercedes hospitality to discuss his son. The same with Red Bull, for the same reason.
In a driver’s career, the figure who follows him contractually is very important. Especially if you are not a prodigy and need someone who knows how to “sell” you in the best way. It affects your professional trajectory in Formula 1, as we know how difficult it is to secure and maintain a seat in the top category of motorsport. A few days ago, in Spain, Carlos Sainz was invited to the famous TV show El Hormiguero. During the appearance, they talked about his present and, naturally, his future.
The current Ferrari driver remains highly sought after by various teams. Carlos knows this well and for this reason, he is in no rush. The decision he will make is important, as he is nearing thirty and still harbors a desire: to become an F1 world champion. Carlos Sainz says that his options are varied and at the moment he prefers to focus on the SF-24, a car that gives him the possibility of winning races. For this reason, there is no rush regarding his future. There is also an interesting fact that the Spaniard reveals.
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It concerns how the Italian team decided to dispense with his services. “Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, once he left Mercedes wanted to go to Ferrari which, without thinking twice, made room for him.” This is the backstory of how the Ferrari team left Carlos out. The Spaniard suffered. No one likes being sidelined. However, Carlos Sainz tried to take it philosophically. Hence, he sees the non-renewal as an opportunity for his future, in which he intends to join a team that offers him the chance to fight for the Formula 1 world title.
Source: FUnoanalisitecnica
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