Carlos Sainz has insisted that he is ‘not disappointed’ with the situation regarding his Ferrari future and that his focus remains fully on the upcoming season with the hopes of becoming world champion. The Spaniard will leave the team at the end of the year following the news that Lewis Hamilton has signed on for the 2025 season.
Sainz has been an impressive operator during his Ferrari career, winning two races – including the only non-Red Bull Grand Prix win of 2023 – and standing on the podium 16 times. However, this wasn’t enough to secure his long-term future with the team.
When Hamilton’s jaw-dropping transfer from Mercedes to Ferrari was confirmed at the start of February, Sainz was the natural fall guy with team-mate Charles Leclerc already putting pen to paper on a long-term contract extension in January.
Speaking to Sky Sports about his mental state following the confirmation of Hamilton’s switch, Sainz explained: “I’m fine, I’m calm, we’re working for the future but above all, for what that we have ahead of us. [It’s] a very important year, my last year with the team and I want to do the best I can. I’m training to prepare as best I can and give everything.”
Asked whether he was upset about the situation, the Spaniard continued: “No, it didn’t disappoint me. Experiencing Ferrari from the inside, I already knew several things and I prepared myself with the team in view of future changes.
“As I said, however, I don’t want to think about anything other than how to give my all this season for Ferrari. Knowing that it will be the last year with a team is not the most normal thing to start a new season.
“But as soon as I put on my helmet in Bahrain and get on the track, you can be sure that I will only think about going as fast as possible. And if there is the chance to become world champion I will try to take it.”
With so many drivers out of contract at the end of the 2024 season, there are plenty of opportunities for Sainz to rebuild his F1 career elsewhere with seats at both Mercedes and Red Bull currently on course to be available. Strong performances during his final year in scarlet red will be vital to securing another top drive for 2025 and beyond.
