Carlos Sainz believes Ferrari ‘will not count on me’ to develop the SF-24 after signing seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes to replace him in 2025.
In February, the Scuderia lured Hamilton away from the Silver Arrows by getting an early advantage in the driver market. At Maranello, negotiations were in progress to provide Sainz with a new deal, as his current one ends after the 2024 campaign. However, Hamilton was too excellent to turn down Ferrari.
Only in August did Hamilton consent to a new deal with Mercedes for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. However, the Brackley team gave the 39-year-old permission to include a release clause, which he exercised. After a second straight season without a victory, the British player decided to give up.
Carlos Sainz doubts Ferrari will ‘count on me’ to develop the SF-24
The 22 Grand Prix in 2023 were won by Sainz, the only driver who wasn’t a Red Bull employee. Nevertheless, Ferrari was unconvinced that he merited a new contract after his defensive victory at the Singapore Grand Prix. Therefore, following his fourth season in red, the 29-year-old will depart from the Scuderia.
Sainz is currently concentrating on joining a new project that aligns with his goals after losing his spot on the Ferrari Formula 1 grid. In order to concentrate on the 2024 campaign, the Spaniard would also rather address his future now. Sainz is aware, though, that Ferrari will not depend on him to advance the SF-24.
AS has been informed by him that he wants to clear out his future so that he knows where he is headed and what follows next. As I already know, I only need to pay attention to the present moment this season, and I’m sure the focus shifts a little after that.
“They won’t count on me much to develop the car, and that allows me to focus exclusively on getting the most out of the SF-24 and myself. Now, we talk to everyone and see what position each team is in and what project fits more with my intentions.”
Carlos Sainz is keen to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025
Sainz might have several seats to pick from with more than half of the Formula 1 grid out of contract after 2024. Journalist Rebecca Clancy also reports that Sainz is ‘gunning’ to replace Hamilton when the Briton takes his seat for Ferrari, as Mercedes needs to sign a replacement.
Journalist Lawrence Barretto also claims that Williams are ‘big admirers’ of Sainz with Logan Sargeant only under contract for 2024. Gazzetta dello Sport names Sainz as an option for Audi as the German brand sets Sauber’s 2025 line-up ahead of taking them over in 2026.
So, while Sainz doubts Ferrari will rely on him, there are plenty of teams who still admire the Madrid native. He also set the overall fastest lap time across Formula 1’s pre-season test this week. Sainz lapped the home of the Bahrain GP in 1:29.921 with Pirelli’s C4 tyres on day two.
