Ferrari star Carlos Sainz is searching for an F1 seat next year after Lewis Hamilton’s move (Image: GETTY)
Ferrari star Carlos Sainz has labelled Lewis Hamilton as “the best driver in history” and has insisted it “didn’t hurt that much” after the Scuderia snapped up the seven-time world champion. The Briton is set to replace Sainz at the end of the year after deciding to bring his Mercedes career to an end.
Hamilton dominated at the front of the F1 grid for most of his time with Mercedes after joining the team from McLaren as he won six of his seven titles with the Silver Arrows between 2014 and 2020.
But after the Brackley-based team fell down the pecking order following a whole host of regulation changes at the start of 2022, the 39-year-old finally opted to jump ship to Ferrari.
Sainz was sacrificed by the Italian team, with Charles Leclerc set to team up with Hamilton ahead of the 2025 F1 season.
And discussing the move, Sainz told GQ Spain: “I obviously understand Ferrari’s decision, the opportunity to sign a seven-time world champion and what it can entail and attract to a team.
“That’s why, when I reflected on it, it didn’t hurt me that much. Because in the end it’s not any other driver replacing you, but the best driver in history. And in the end, if one has to replace me, let it be [Lewis].”
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Sainz is yet to secure another F1 seat for 2025 but surely won’t be short of offers after bagging five podium finishes this year, including top spot at the Australian Grand Prix.
He has outshone his team-mate Leclerc in some races but currently trails the Monegasque star by eight points in the Drivers’ Championship standings, with the duo occupying third and fourth place.
After sealing his move to Ferrari, Hamilton explained: “I feel like it was obviously the hardest decision that I think I’ve ever had to make. Obviously I’ve been with Mercedes for, I think it’s like 26 years they’ve supported me, and we’ve had an absolutely incredible journey together.
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Charles Leclerc will team up with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari next year (Image: GETTY)
“We’ve created history within the sport, and it’s something I take a lot of pride in and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved. But I think ultimately I’m writing my story and I felt like it was time to start a new chapter.”
However, following an upturn in fortunes for Mercedes in recent weeks, Silver Arrows star George Russell explained at the weekend: “I don’t think he (Hamilton) would have left if the team was performing like this. No way he would have left, for sure not.
“As tough as these last few years have been, it really feels like we’ve got the momentum with us now.”
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