Guenther Steiner Questions Ferrari’s Choice of Lewis Hamilton Over Carlos Sainz
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has raised doubts about Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season, following the departure of Carlos Sainz to Williams. Steiner suggested that some members of the Scuderia may quietly regret letting the Spanish driver go.
The 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix provided a perfect turnaround weekend for Carlos Sainz after a challenging start with his fifth Formula 1 team. After early struggles at Williams, Sainz demonstrated his talent by qualifying on the front row alongside Max Verstappen and securing a podium finish. This result not only boosted Sainz’s confidence but also helped consolidate Williams’ position as the best of the midfield teams in the constructors’ championship.
While Carlos Sainz enjoyed a breakthrough weekend, Ferrari endured another difficult outing with Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion failed to reach Q3 in qualifying, and a poorly executed driver swap with teammate Charles Leclerc on the final lap further compounded his struggles in Baku. Hamilton’s continued challenges in adapting to the SF-25 and the ground-effect era cars have intensified scrutiny around his high-profile switch to Maranello.
Steiner Hints Ferrari Staff May Regret Replacing Sainz with Hamilton
On the Red Flags Podcast, Guenther Steiner was asked whether Ferrari regretted bringing Lewis Hamilton in place of Sainz. Steiner indicated that while management would never admit any error publicly, some team members might quietly feel disappointment. He noted the stark contrast between Lewis Hamilton’s struggles, finishing eighth and ninth in Baku, versus Sainz’s podium finish with Williams.
During the podcast’s “Gas or Brake” segment, Guenther Steiner emphasized that Sainz’s strong performance highlights what Ferrari may have lost. Steiner explained that with Sainz, Ferrari had a “known quantity” who could consistently deliver results, reducing internal unrest and allowing the team to focus purely on racing performance. In contrast, Hamilton’s challenges have reportedly created additional distractions within the team. Steiner also pointed out that Hamilton’s financial package likely exceeds that of Carlos Sainz, raising questions about whether the investment has yielded sufficient returns for Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz Thrives at Williams
Sainz has quickly adapted to his new team, proving instrumental in Williams’ rise in the midfield battle. His extensive experience across multiple Formula 1 teams has earned him a reputation for immediate impact, often improving team performance in the drivers’ championship. With Williams now concentrating on 2026, Carlos Sainz’s knowledge and consistency could make them serious contenders next year.
Reflecting on his time at Ferrari, the Spaniard admitted that there is only “one thing” he misses from his former team, though he also acknowledged that he wouldn’t be in a position to fight at the front of the grid with Maranello currently. Despite Hamilton holding nearly 100 more points than Carlos Sainz this season, the Briton remains without a podium, and his opportunities to reach the Ferrari rostrum are becoming increasingly limited with seven races remaining.
Implications for Ferrari’s Future
Steiner’s comments, combined with Sainz’s resurgence at Williams, underscore a broader debate over Ferrari’s strategic decisions in the driver market. Hamilton’s move to Maranello was initially celebrated as a marquee signing, but his ongoing adaptation issues and the Spaniard’s immediate success at Williams suggest that Ferrari may need to reassess its approach to maximizing driver performance and team stability moving forward.
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