Ferrari’s Gamble: Hamilton’s Move Sparks Doubts as Sainz Outshines in 2024″
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Ferrari’s Gamble: Hamilton’s Move Sparks Doubts as Sainz Outshines in 2024″
Lewis Hamilton has just five race’s remaining with Mercedes before making a historic move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. His upcoming switch marks one of the most significant moves in Formula 1, though there are already doubts about whether Ferrari made the right decision in replacing Carlos Sainz with the seven-time world champion.
According to former F1 driver Robert Doornbos, Ferrari might be second-guessing their decision to sign Hamilton. Sainz, who will lose his seat at Ferrari due to the new arrangement, has had an impressive 2024 season and currently outperforms Hamilton on track. The 30-year-old Spaniard delivered a standout performance at the United States Grand Prix in Texas last weekend, finishing second and holding off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. This result marked his sixth podium of the season, reinforcing his strong form throughout the year.
In contrast, Hamilton’s 2024 campaign has been inconsistent. Despite a mid-season resurgence with wins at Silverstone and Spa, the British driver has struggled in recent races. He has not finished higher than fifth in his last five outings and experienced a rare error in Texas, spinning off into the gravel and recording his second retirement of the season. This inconsistency has raised concerns, particularly with the increased expectations that will come with his move to Ferrari next season.
Interestingly, Hamilton had only recently extended his contract with Mercedes for another year before the Ferrari deal was announced, catching many by surprise. With the clock ticking on his time at Mercedes, Hamilton still has a slight lead over teammate George Russell in the Drivers’ Championship, a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season. However, Ferrari’s decision to prioritize Hamilton over the in-form Sainz is beginning to draw scrutiny.
Doornbos has suggested that Ferrari may now be regretting their choice to swap Sainz for Hamilton, given the Spaniard’s consistent performances throughout 2024. Sainz has managed to thrive in a competitive field, showing resilience against top drivers and delivering solid results even under pressure. His ability to secure podium finishes regularly highlights his potential value, making Ferrari’s decision to let him go seem increasingly questionable.
Hamilton’s impending move will undoubtedly shake up the F1 paddock, bringing new dynamics to both Ferrari and Mercedes in 2025. While Ferrari hopes Hamilton can bring experience and success to their team, the uncertainty surrounding his recent form raises the possibility that the transition may not be as smooth as anticipated. Additionally, Ferrari’s bold choice to let go of Sainz, who has clearly found his stride, could come back to haunt them if Hamilton struggles to adapt to his new environment.
With just a few race weekends left, Hamilton will be aiming to finish the 2024 season on a high note and silence any doubts about his form. As he prepares to close a remarkable chapter with Mercedes, all eyes will be on how he performs in these final races before stepping into Ferrari’s iconic red car. Meanwhile, Sainz will be looking to end his Ferrari stint strongly and showcase his abilities ahead of whatever new opportunities come his way.
Ultimately, the high-stakes move by Ferrari to bring in Hamilton could either prove to be a masterstroke or a costly mistake. As the season draws to a close, questions linger over whether Hamilton can return to peak performance in time for his next challenge and whether Ferrari’s gamble will pay off.