Sainz adds surprising detail: ‘Hamilton knocked on Ferrari’s door’

Carlos Sainz has made an interesting revelation about Lewis Hamilton. According to him, it was Hamilton who knocked on Ferrari’s door, which seems to suggest that the initiative was, therefore, not with the Italian racing team to hijack the Brit from Mercedes.

For Mercedes, and especially team boss Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s decision to leave for Ferrari in 2025 came suddenly. Days before the news leaked out, Wolff was informed through a personal conversation with Hamilton. Much of the team found out when the news was leaked not long after and, as a result, announced early.

Sainz makes a revelation about Hamilton

For Sainz too, the news came as an unpleasant surprise, but the Spaniard had been previously informed by his team and, in his own words, had “a few weeks to digest it” before it came out. Because Ferrari has been open with the driver, Sainz also more or less knows how the deal came about.

Striking detail: according to Sainz, the initiative for the deal lay with Hamilton, not Ferrari. “I think it is clear that when a seven-time world champion knocks on the door of a team like Ferrari, there will be interest and it is possible that the contract will eventually be confirmed,” he said at the car launch of the SF-24.

Sainz seizes 2024 as opportunity

So Sainz has to make way for Hamilton in 2025 but does not see that as a personal defeat. “In the end, I will be replaced by a seven-time world champion at Ferrari. I don’t see that as a tragedy. I am happy, especially with the three years I spent at Ferrari. I think they have been three positive years,” he continued.

“There is still a fourth and final, and therefore perhaps the most important year ahead, in which I want to continue to get good results with a clear conscience and a clear head,” Sainz adds. He, therefore, sees 2024 mainly as a great opportunity. “To have a good year with Ferrari, to win races, and hopefully to have the potential to fight for the world championship.”