What Ferrari's inner circle Is saying about Carlos Sainz taking over from Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton Faces Pressure at Ferrari as Insider Reports Suggest Carlos Sainz Could Return

Lewis Hamilton is expected to be determined to silence critics as Formula 1 returns from the summer break at the Dutch Grand Prix. The British seven-time world champion knows that Ferrari’s lack of a race win so far this season cannot be attributed solely to him or his teammate Charles Leclerc, but he is aware that closing the points gap to Leclerc will be essential over the remaining ten race weekends.

Charles Leclerc currently holds a 42-point advantage over Hamilton in the drivers’ championship, having secured all five of Ferrari’s podium finishes this season. While this disparity is a natural outcome of the team dynamics and car performance, it has also highlighted the internal pressures facing Hamilton, who has openly questioned his own confidence at times rather than the capabilities of the Ferrari SF-25.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur may be more concerned about Hamilton’s candid remarks. Following qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton suggested the team might need to “change drivers,” a statement that reflects the seven-time world champion’s ongoing self-doubt rather than a criticism of his car. This is not the first instance of Hamilton openly addressing his own confidence struggles; he previously admitted last season that he felt unable to perform at his peak in qualifying sessions in Las Vegas.

Hamilton’s public expressions of uncertainty have prompted some figures within Ferrari to question whether signing him instead of retaining Carlos Sainz was the right move. Arturo Merzario has claimed that 90% of Ferrari staff initially did not support Hamilton’s arrival. However, journalist Scott Mitchell-Malm has offered a contrasting view based on discussions with personnel at Maranello regarding Hamilton and the possibility of Sainz returning to the team.

Ferrari Staff Reveal ‘Off the Record’ That Leclerc and Hamilton Are Set to Continue

It has emerged that Carlos Sainz was considered a Plan B by Christian Horner in case Max Verstappen had left Red Bull before Horner’s departure as team principal. Mitchell-Malm spoke about Sainz and his old team Ferrari on The Race F1 Podcast, explaining that, according to senior Ferrari figures he consulted both on and off the record, there is no expectation of any driver changes apart from continuing with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton for the foreseeable future.

According to Mitchell-Malm, Sainz would actually be welcomed back at Ferrari more than some fans might assume. Despite a perception among certain supporters that Sainz and his team were difficult or left on bad terms, insiders describe him as highly respected within the organization. He has maintained positive relationships with Ferrari staff, including in hospitality and the garage, which reflects his professionalism and the high regard in which he is held internally.

The insider perspective suggests that many Ferrari employees would have been content for Sainz to continue, recognizing the quality of his contributions and his consistent performance. However, any potential return would likely only occur under extraordinary circumstances, such as Lewis Hamilton choosing to leave the Scuderia. In that scenario, Sainz would be a logical candidate to step in, though Ferrari could also consider promoting a promising talent like Oliver Bearman.

Charles Leclerc’s Admiration for Carlos Sainz’s Adaptability

Sainz and Leclerc were highly effective teammates during their four seasons together at Ferrari, despite narrowly missing out on winning the constructors’ championship last year. Their compatibility and teamwork were evident, though Leclerc’s slightly stronger results and longer tenure at Ferrari positioned him as the natural choice to partner Hamilton once the British driver became available.

Leclerc has openly acknowledged his admiration for Sainz’s adaptability, a skill honed through frequent team changes throughout his Formula 1 career. This versatility has been a key asset for Sainz, enabling him to integrate quickly and perform consistently in different team environments.

Lewis Hamilton retains an option within his Ferrari contract that could keep him at the team until the end of 2027. Eventually, the moment will come when Hamilton chooses to retire, and at that point, Ferrari will need to plan for succession. While Oliver Bearman is widely regarded as the next logical candidate for a Ferrari seat, Sainz may still be in contention, particularly if his current team, Williams, fails to meet expectations or deliver competitive results.