Hamilton will replace Sainz and join Charles Leclerc at the prestigious Italian team next season in a surprising move announced earlier this month.
“I believe this is how the sport operates and I have great admiration for Lewis and the achievements he has had, as well as his decision to join Ferrari,” said Sainz during a press conference at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Wednesday, sitting alongside Hamilton.
“If I were in his position, I would have made the same choice,” added the 29-year-old, who took over Sebastian Vettel’s position as a four-time F1 Champion at the Maranello-based team in 2021.
Hamilton, who has not won a race since 2021, recently signed a two-year extension with Mercedes. However, he activated a break clause to sign a multi-year contract with Ferrari. The 39-year-old expressed his desire to embark on a new chapter in his record-breaking F1 journey.
Ferrari holds the title of the most successful team in the sport, but they have not won an F1 Drivers’ Championship since Kimi Raikkonen’s victory in 2007.
“There is a great deal of mutual respect among all of us, and I hold Carlos in high regard,” stated Hamilton, the winner of 103 grand prix races. “I do not sense any animosity or negative feelings. It is simply a part of the racing world, and I hope that our relationship remains unchanged because of it. I do not believe it will.”
Sainz has yet to secure an F1 seat for 2025, but he remains optimistic about his chances. He is open to any opportunity that may arise. (Reported by Abhishek Takle)