F1 NEWS: Frederick Vasseur open to Sainz F1 reunion at Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton’s…read more.
Frederick Vasseur open to Sainz F1 reunion at Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton’s…read more.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has expressed his desire to work again with Carlos Sainz in Formula 1, despite the Spaniard’s upcoming departure from Ferrari to join Williams at the end of the season. Sainz’s move comes after Ferrari opted to replace him with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season.
Vasseur acknowledged that the decision to let go of the 30-year-old Sainz was a difficult one, but emphasized that it was more a reflection of Hamilton’s exceptional stature in the sport rather than a critique of Sainz’s abilities. Ferrari’s opportunity to sign Hamilton, who is leaving Mercedes, was too significant to pass up, despite the strong performances and potential of Sainz. Prior to this, Sainz had been negotiating a contract extension with Ferrari, a process that was interrupted by the chance to bring Hamilton on board.
Williams, however, had already been courting Sainz since last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, well before it was known that he would be available for the 2025 season. The British team’s interest in Sainz had been longstanding, and they were quick to secure his services once it became clear he would not be staying at Ferrari. Sainz’s move to Williams was officially announced in August, following a period of six months during which the driver took time to consider his future in F1.
Vasseur, while understanding the business side of F1, has been full of praise for Sainz and his professionalism during what has undoubtedly been a turbulent period for the driver. “Honestly, I have a huge respect for Carlos and what he did for Ferrari. This call [to replace him] was not an easy one,” Vasseur said when speaking to the media, including RacingNews365.
He went on to commend Sainz for maintaining his focus and continuing to perform well for Ferrari, even amid the uncertainty surrounding his future. According to Vasseur, Sainz’s ability to remain professional and dedicated to the team during these challenging circumstances has been highly impressive. The Spaniard has continued to contribute significantly to Ferrari’s efforts, despite knowing that he would be leaving the team at the end of the season.
“He’s doing a very good job. He was able to stay professional in these tough conditions,” Vasseur noted. “I can see perfectly what he’s bringing to the team, what he brought to the team last year.”
Sainz’s role in Ferrari’s recovery during a difficult 2023 season has not gone unnoticed by Vasseur. The French team principal credited Sainz for helping to steer the team back on track after a challenging summer period in 2023. His efforts during that time, combined with his professionalism in the current season, have left a lasting impression on Vasseur, who is keen to maintain a positive relationship with the driver.
“I’m more than pleased to have Carlos, and I will keep a very good relationship with him,” Vasseur said, leaving the door open for a potential reunion in the future. Although Sainz will be departing Ferrari, it is clear that he has left a strong legacy within the team, and Vasseur has not ruled out the possibility of working with the Spaniard again down the line.
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