P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz has recalled the timeline that culminated in him learning about the “shocking” news that he was losing his seat in F1 with Ferrari through a friend.
Carlos Sainz was stunned to learn from a friend that he was losing his seat at Ferrari in Formula 1 due to Lewis Hamilton signing with the team in 2025. Despite ongoing contract discussions with Ferrari, Sainz was caught off guard when informed that 2024 would be his last year with the team. This news came as a shock to Sainz, who believed he would continue with Ferrari and had prepared for the upcoming season with that mindset.
Following the unexpected news, Sainz delivered a strong performance on the track, achieving three podium finishes, including a win in Australia, in the early races of 2024. Despite the initial shock, Sainz viewed the Ferrari situation as a challenge that motivated him to become an even better athlete and driver. As a result, he felt that his performance in the following months represented the best version of himself as a racing driver.
After being overlooked by top teams like Mercedes and Red Bull, Sainz declined offers from Alpine and Sauber/Audi, ultimately choosing to sign a deal with Williams. His experience with Ferrari’s decision to replace him with Lewis Hamilton ultimately inspired him to elevate his performance and excel in his racing career.
