Ferrari may have Lewis Hamilton replacement lined up...

Ferrari may have Lewis Hamilton replacement lined up…read more.

Ferrari is reportedly looking ahead to the future and considering possible replacements for Lewis Hamilton once he retires from Formula 1, with Carlos Sainz emerging as a candidate. Sainz, who previously raced for Ferrari, ended his time with the team on a bittersweet note, having performed impressively during his tenure. In 2024, he achieved his best season yet, clinching two Grand Prix victories. However, his departure came as Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and one of the sport’s all-time greats, was set to join Ferrari in 2025.

Sainz’s exit from the Scuderia was a difficult decision for both him and the team. His strong rapport with team principal Fred Vasseur and teammate Charles Leclerc made the situation even more poignant. Despite his achievements and popularity within the team, the arrival of Hamilton signaled a significant shift. Sainz understood the implications of this change early on, recognizing that with Hamilton’s legendary status, it was inevitable that he would have to step aside.

On the Beyond The Grid podcast, Sainz reflected on his situation, saying, “I understood it almost right from the beginning. I think if it would have been someone else, I would have taken a lot longer to understand.” He acknowledged the unique challenge of being replaced by Hamilton, stating, “When you understand Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion and one of the best – if not the best in history – is going to replace you at Ferrari… I understand.”

Despite the circumstances of his departure, there may still be a chapter left for Sainz at Ferrari. According to team principal Fred Vasseur,