Ferrari’s team leader, Fred Vasseur, revealed that breaking the news to Carlos Sainz about his replacement by Lewis Hamilton in 2025 was one of the most challenging phone calls he has ever had to make. Sainz, who was the only non-Red Bull winner in 2023, had hoped to secure a new contract with Ferrari before the start of the current season. However, the surprise signing of the seven-time world champion led to Sainz’s departure at the end of the year. Vasseur admitted that speaking to both Sainz and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was a difficult task.
Vasseur acknowledged that informing Sainz about his replacement was far from easy. He said, “As you can imagine, it was not the easiest call of my life. One of the most difficult, along with the one with Toto! I firmly believe that Carlos is a highly professional driver who understands that we have a long season ahead of us. It’s a tremendous opportunity, and I believe it’s also a dream come true for him to have the team’s support.”
Despite the controversy surrounding Sainz’s departure after a strong performance in 2023, Vasseur emphasized that the decision to sign Hamilton was unrelated to Sainz’s capabilities. He stated, “Unfair may not be the right word because, for the team, the chance to have Lewis is something that must be considered regardless. He is the most experienced driver, and it presents a massive opportunity for us. It has nothing to do with Carlos. Carlos did an exceptional job last year, and I am confident he will continue to excel next year. We have a great personal relationship, but we have to accept the situation and focus on the future.”
Vasseur expressed confidence in the ability of Ferrari’s current drivers, Charles Leclerc and Sainz, to maintain a strong working relationship. Over the past three seasons, Leclerc and Sainz have developed a solid rapport. Vasseur stated, “Throughout the season, they have always had a good relationship. I don’t expect them to be best friends and spend vacations together. My expectation is for them to work in the best interest of Ferrari, with the right approach and mentality. They have done a commendable job throughout the season, and I believe it is their professionalism that has allowed us to make progress and catch up.”
According to the Source racer.com