Ferrari have so far remained on the sidelines of the Formula 1 driver market in 2025, but with Lewis Hamilton’s contract due to expire at the end of 2026, the Scuderia will soon be forced to evaluate their long-term options. Charles Leclerc is still tied down to a lengthy agreement, though his deal does contain an exit clause, while Hamilton holds a contract option for 2027. However, insiders believe the British driver is unlikely to exercise that clause unless he feels Ferrari are fully committed to supporting him as a leading figure.
Lewis Hamilton’s current form has raised further questions about his future in Maranello. He has yet to achieve a single podium finish this season and has managed to beat Leclerc in only six competitive sessions. If this trend continues, it is difficult to imagine the partnership extending far beyond the current agreement, particularly given that the Ferrari seat alongside Charles Leclerc is regarded as one of the most prestigious and desirable in Formula 1.
In the background, Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman is pushing for a promotion and has openly targeted a full-time seat with the team in 2027. Yet the young Briton will not be the only candidate. External contenders are also lining up, and one driver who has already won races in Formula 1 is making it clear that he has not ruled out a future return to Maranello.
Former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has admitted in an interview with DAZN that he still considers a return to the Scuderia possible. The Spaniard, who was released at the end of 2024 to make way for Hamilton, suggested that the doors at Maranello remain open. Sainz revealed that part of him had initially felt a strong sense of frustration when he was replaced, saying he believed he had not deserved to lose his seat. At the same time, he maintained a professional approach and never allowed his disappointment to compromise his performance on track.
The Spaniard had an impressive final year with Ferrari, taking victories in Australia and Mexico to lift his career tally to four wins. He also collected nine podiums in total, playing a decisive role in helping Ferrari secure second place in the constructors’ championship. Despite parting ways with the team, Sainz confirmed that he was content with his current position at Williams, where he has quickly established himself as the team leader. Nevertheless, both he and Ferrari have acknowledged that a reunion could be on the cards in the future, particularly as Sainz’s deal includes a break clause at the end of 2026.
According to the Spaniard, he is grateful that Ferrari have kept the possibility of a return alive, as that had always been one of his objectives when leaving the team. He expressed satisfaction with his current project at Williams, describing it as an excellent place for the next stage of his career, though he stopped short of closing the door to Maranello.
Carlos Sainz’s manager, Carlos Onoro, has also emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relationships within the paddock. Speaking to Formula 1’s official website, Onoro explained that their approach has always been to remain professional and avoid burning bridges. He stressed that in a sport as unpredictable as Formula 1, one can never be certain about what opportunities the future may bring, so it was crucial to treat every team with fairness, honesty, and transparency. According to him, this strategy has served Sainz well and ensured that doors like Ferrari’s remain open.
Sainz had previously held discussions with Sauber ahead of Audi’s takeover and also with Alpine, before ultimately choosing Williams. In hindsight, his move appears well-judged, as the team are currently on course for their best constructors’ championship result since 2017, sitting fifth overall. However, the true value of his decision will only become clear once the new technical regulations come into force.
The Spaniard was also heavily linked with Mercedes during the 2024 driver market, with Toto Wolff reportedly considering him as a short-term option before promoting Kimi Antonelli. Sainz, though, was not satisfied with a stopgap role and preferred a longer-term project. More recently, former Haas boss Guenther Steiner has floated the idea that Mercedes should attempt to orchestrate a driver swap, with Sainz moving to Brackley in exchange for Antonelli ahead of 2026. Yet for now, Williams have little incentive to agree to such an arrangement, particularly given how central Sainz has already become to their rebuilding effort.
As the driver market continues to evolve, the situation at Ferrari remains one of the most intriguing storylines. With Hamilton’s future uncertain and Sainz keeping the possibility of a return alive, the Scuderia may once again find themselves at the centre of Formula 1’s most dramatic transfer battle in the years to come.
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