Carlos Sainz highlights the major learning curve Lewis Hamilton faces at Ferrari. Carlos Sainz explains the 15–20 critical adjustments F1 drivers face when changing teams.

Carlos Sainz Outlines the Extensive Learning Curve Facing Lewis Hamilton After Ferrari Move

Carlos Sainz has shed light on the complex process Formula 1 drivers must undergo when switching teams, noting that there are as many as 15 to 20 aspects of the car and driving style that require complete re-learning. His comments come as Lewis Hamilton faces early challenges in adapting to Ferrari following his departure from Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton, who will replace Sainz at Ferrari in 2025, has spent over a decade driving cars powered by Mercedes in the turbo-hybrid era. Now transitioning to Ferrari’s power units and operating systems, the seven-time world champion is encountering new hurdles—including adapting to a fundamentally different braking philosophy.

One particular area where Lewis Hamilton has struggled is engine braking. While it was seldom utilized at Mercedes, Ferrari relies heavily on this system as a critical component of its braking strategy. As Lewis Hamilton works to unlearn the habits ingrained during his Mercedes tenure, Carlos Sainz—who is currently driving a Mercedes-powered car at Williams—has offered insight into just how intricate this adaptation process can be.

The Spaniard explained to media that engine braking is just one small piece of a much larger puzzle drivers must solve when switching teams. He pointed out that various teams employ vastly different approaches to vehicle dynamics: some prioritize engine braking to rotate the car through corners, while others rely more heavily on differential settings or brake migration systems.

He emphasized that each team has its own preferences when it comes to chassis setup and aerodynamics. Some achieve front-end grip through aero balance, while others focus on mechanical settings or car ride characteristics. According to Carlos Sainz, the number of variables involved in achieving competitive lap times is staggering—and each combination requires a unique approach.

Currently driving for Williams, Carlos Sainz admitted that he is still experimenting with a wide range of configurations to understand what works best in his new environment. He is testing higher levels of engine braking, adjusting differential mappings, and modifying mechanical balance in an effort to find the car’s optimal performance window.

Carlos Sainz noted that while some techniques naturally align with a driver’s style, others do not—and that’s part of the challenge and excitement. He said that embracing this learning process, even when it involves repeated trial and error, is crucial. For him, finally understanding and mastering a new system results in what he described as a “Eureka moment,” where everything suddenly feels right and makes perfect sense.