Ferrari’s decision to bring Lewis Hamilton on board for the 2025 Formula 1 season cast uncertainty over Carlos Sainz’s career prospects. Despite performing admirably alongside Charles Leclerc, the Scuderia opted for the seven-time world champion, leaving Sainz searching for opportunities elsewhere. Rumors quickly linked the Spaniard to teams like Mercedes and Red Bull, with many considering him an ideal replacement for Mercedes. However, the Silver Arrows dismissed this possibility by committing to young talent Kimi Antonelli despite the Italian prodigy’s relative inexperience.
With Mercedes out of the picture, Sainz’s focus shifted to Red Bull, which was exploring options to replace the underperforming Sergio Perez. However, contract discussions reportedly broke down, leading Sainz to secure a seat with Williams instead. Red Bull later clarified that Sainz was never part of their plans, emphasizing their strategy to nurture young drivers. Recently, Sainz has opened up about the reason behind choosing Williams over Red Bull.
“I’m Not The Driver They’re Looking For,” Sainz Explains His Williams Move
As Lewis Hamilton prepares for his move to Ferrari, taking over from Carlos Sainz, the Spanish driver was linked to several top F1 teams before ultimately deciding to move to Williams. Sainz, who has spent four successful seasons at Ferrari, has been a consistent performer for the team, helping them stay competitive in the championship standings. Throughout his time at Ferrari, he has earned valuable points and established himself as a reliable driver.
Sainz had initially been in talks with Mercedes, but those discussions faltered as the team prioritized their junior driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and only offered Sainz a one-year deal. Following this, Red Bull was another team linked to Sainz, but no deal materialized. Reflecting on his options, Sainz admitted that he may not have been the right fit for Red Bull, especially considering the team’s current structure and driver profile.
Acknowledging this, Sainz expressed that he wasn’t bothered by Red Bull’s decision and was instead excited by the opportunity with Williams. He appreciated that Williams had pursued him from the beginning and saw it as a project that motivated him and offered promising prospects for the future.
Sainz Admits It Would Hurt More If Ferrari Wins 2025 WDC After His Departure
Carlos Sainz expressed his deep involvement in Ferrari’s development, highlighting his passion for the team’s growth since joining in 2021. His aim has always been to win a championship with Ferrari, and he mentioned that the team might even secure the Constructors’ Championship this year.
However, Sainz admitted that it would be particularly painful for him if Ferrari were to compete for the Drivers’ Championship in 2025 after his departure. He acknowledged that his contributions to shaping the team into a championship contender would make it difficult for him not to be a part of the success. Despite these mixed feelings, Sainz emphasized his excitement about his new journey with Williams, recognizing that the situation has evolved as it has, and he’s looking forward to the opportunities ahead.