Hamilton's Ferrari Move Gets...

Hamilton’s Ferrari Move Gets…read more

In a surprising turn of events, Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season has been overshadowed by a remarkable performance from Carlos Sainz, the man Hamilton is replacing at the iconic Maranello team. Sainz, despite a somewhat underappreciated stint at Ferrari, has left a significant mark on F1, receiving widespread recognition from fans and critics alike for his consistent performances, especially in the 2024 season. His strong performance throughout the year has raised questions about Ferrari’s decision to let him go in favor of the 40-year-old British driver.

Hamilton, widely regarded as one of the best drivers of his generation, has officially made the switch to Ferrari after spending an incredibly successful 12 seasons with Mercedes. In those years, he won 84 Grand Prix races and secured six World Championship titles, cementing his place as a legend in the sport. His move to Ferrari has generated much excitement, as it marks the start of a new era for both the Briton and the famed Italian team.

However, Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari comes at the expense of Carlos Sainz, who has been an integral part of the team since joining in 2021. Despite Sainz’s admirable performances and even securing two race victories in 2024, including an emotional win at the Australian Grand Prix in March after recovering from an appendix surgery, Ferrari has opted for a change. Sainz’s strong showing in the drivers’ standings, where he finished ahead of Hamilton in 2024, raised eyebrows, particularly given that Ferrari has been under pressure to make a bold move to return to championship contention.

In light of these events, F1 fans were given the opportunity to voice their opinions on the standout performers of the 2024 season through the GPFans end-of-year awards. One of the categories that sparked significant attention was the “Unsung Hero of the Season,” which highlighted drivers or teams who may not have received as much recognition as they deserved. To the surprise of many, Carlos Sainz emerged as the overwhelming favorite, securing an impressive 59% of the vote.

Sainz’s victory in Australia was particularly remarkable. Just two weeks after undergoing surgery for appendicitis, he returned to the track and drove one of the most memorable races of his career. His resilience and determination, combined with a string of strong, consistent results throughout the season, helped Ferrari remain in contention for the Constructors’ Championship. While the team ultimately fell short, Sainz’s performance proved invaluable, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Oscar Piastri, the McLaren driver, finished second in the voting with 21% of the fan votes. Piastri had a standout 2024 season, securing two Grand Prix victories and playing a vital role in McLaren’s historic Constructors’ Championship success, their first since 1998. Piastri’s rapid rise through the ranks and his impressive performances behind the wheel made him one of the season’s breakout stars. His contribution helped McLaren rise to the top of the pack, and his ability to extract the most from the car even in challenging conditions was widely appreciated by fans.

Additionally, Williams’ mechanics received a special mention in the “Unsung Hero” category, picking up 11% of the vote. The team’s mechanics were hailed for their heroic efforts during a challenging season for Williams, particularly after several significant crashes involving drivers Logan Sargeant, Franco Colapinto, and Alex Albon. Their quick and efficient work on the cars allowed Williams to keep competing at a high level despite setbacks, earning them a well-deserved nod from fans.

Sainz’s recognition as the unsung hero, along with Piastri’s strong showing and Williams’ mechanic praise, has cast doubt on Ferrari’s decision to replace the Spaniard with Hamilton. While Hamilton’s arrival brings massive potential for the team, especially considering his proven ability to win races and titles, many are questioning whether the timing of the switch was premature, given Sainz’s strong form in 2024.

The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one, with Hamilton joining Ferrari as they aim to reclaim their spot at the top of the F1 hierarchy. However, Sainz’s unexpected performance in 2024 and the fans’ subsequent praise raise important questions about Ferrari’s strategy and whether they’ve made the right decision. As the 2024 season wraps up, the focus now shifts to how the new driver lineup will perform and whether Hamilton can deliver the results Ferrari expects.