Sainz informed journalists at Ferrari’s unveiling of its SF-24 vehicle on Tuesday: “The turn of events caught everyone off guard and personally, I received the news slightly earlier than the rest. It is true that I have had a few weeks to contemplate, prepare, and gear up for the car launch and the upcoming race season.
“This period allows for some reflection, drawing personal conclusions, and focusing on the 2024 season and the races ahead. However, it is no surprise that the entire F1 community was taken aback, and I was no exception,” admitted Sainz.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will join Charles Leclerc as part of Ferrari’s driver lineup next year. Leclerc, who recently signed a five-year extension, mentioned that the two have exchanged text messages.
“We have had discussions with Lewis, particularly when the news became official. He is an exceptional champion with an impressive track record. It is always intriguing to have a new teammate as you learn different approaches to work and driving—especially when your new teammate is a seven-time world champion,” added Leclerc.
Meanwhile, Sainz expressed his focus on the upcoming season and stated that he will take his time to decide which team he wants to race for in 2025. With numerous drivers’ contracts expiring this year, the experienced driver should have several options.
“There are numerous possibilities out there, and I have ample time to make a significant decision in the coming months,” Sainz stated, emphasizing that he still hopes to contend for a championship in his final season at Ferrari before Hamilton assumes his seat. However, he also emphasized his commitment to being a team player.
The 29-year-old Spaniard conveyed to reporters during a video call from the Fiorano test track, where Ferrari unveiled their new car on Tuesday, that he feels honored to have donned the team’s iconic red overalls for four years.
“My overall sentiment from these four years is undeniably positive,” said the two-time race winner for Ferrari, with five pole positions and three fastest laps, who was the sole driver to defeat Red Bull last season.
“I am eager to see what the future has in store for me because I am confident that great things lie ahead. This is a crucial year for me as I am still wearing red and still have the goal of becoming a champion with Ferrari, and I still have one more opportunity.”
“My ultimate aim is to become the world champion in Formula 1. The most desirable outcome would be achieving this with Ferrari this year, but if that is not possible, I believe there will be other opportunities and chances in the future,” expressed Sainz.
The recent changes at Maranello have positioned Sainz as a prominent figure in the driver market for the 2025 season. Potential options include securing Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes, partnering with triple world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull, or joining Sauber, the Swiss-based team that will transition into the Audi factory team in 2026.
Sainz, who made his debut in Formula 1 in 2015 with Toro Rosso, a team owned by Red Bull, stated that he does not feel the need to prove his capabilities to anyone and does not feel any additional pressure to perform.
The objective for 2024 remains unchanged, with Sainz and his teammate Leclerc still striving to secure Ferrari’s first championship since 2008.
“The fact that I won’t be a Scuderia Ferrari driver in 2025 doesn’t diminish our desire to become champions together this year or win races this year,” emphasized Sainz. “If anything, it allows me to focus even more on the present, on each individual race, ensuring I have the best possible car and overall experience, without the burden of excessive focus on future developments.”
Sainz also affirmed his commitment to prioritizing the team’s interests if necessary, stating, “I have always been a team player… I have consistently demonstrated this as a driver for any team. I will undoubtedly assist Charles if required, just as I expect him to support me,” Sainz concluded. (Reported by Alan Baldwin)
According to the Source grandprix247.com