P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz has disclosed he was “in the middle of negotiations” with Ferrari over a new Formula 1 deal last winter when he was told he would lose his drive in 2025. Sainz was expected to be renewed alongside his team-mate Charles Leclerc when the news broke over pre-season that Lewis Hamilton had penned a […]
When the news about Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari broke during the pre-season, it was expected that Carlos Sainz would continue as teammates with Charles Leclerc. However, with Leclerc having a long-term agreement with Ferrari, Sainz had to give up his seat to the seven-time F1 World Champion. Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari surprised Sainz, who was in the midst of negotiating an extension with the team. Despite having a positive relationship with Ferrari’s top management and good track performances, Sainz had to accept the unexpected change in his career path. Following the announcement, Sainz became a focal point in the F1 driver market, ultimately choosing to join Williams on a multi-term deal starting in 2025 due to the team’s clear vision, leadership, and investment in the project. Sainz sees this move as an opportunity to help a historical team like Williams progress and is motivated by the challenge ahead.
