Carlos Sainz brutally honest about Ferrari snub as Lewis Hamilton takes his seat

08 February 2024 , 15:41

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Carlos Sainz has lost his Ferrari race seat to Lewis Hamilton (Image: Getty Images)

Carlos Sainz hinted he knew Ferrari were going to replace him with Lewis Hamilton as he admitted the news has knocked him ahead of the new Formula 1 season.

Sainz is preparing for his fourth season with the Scuderia. But it will also be his last after confirmation that Hamilton has agreed to quit Mercedes to make the move to Maranello.

Charles Leclerc penned a fresh contract extension only last month, meaning Sainz is the one who will be making way for the seven-time world champion. He confirmed as much in a brief social media statement on the day of Hamilton's announcement.

But the Spaniard has since gone into more detail about the situation. Speaking to Sky Italy, he vowed to channel his feelings about the decision into the campaign ahead and, hopefully, finish his Ferrari career on a high.

He said: "No, I was not disappointed. Experiencing Ferrari from the inside, I already knew several things, and I prepared with the team for future changes. I don't want to think about anything else other than how to give my all this season for Ferrari.

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"It's definitely not the best feeling to start with the season, but the moment I put on my helmet in Bahrain and go out on the track, the only feeling I will have is the will to go harder and harder, also aiming to win the championship.

"I'm aware of what I'm worth as a driver and, for this reason, I'm very calm when I look to the future. Good things will definitely come, but for now my goal remains to do my best with Ferrari."

Sainz had earlier made a similar promise to fans. Posting on his social media channels, he wrote: "Scuderia Ferrari and myself will part ways at the end of 2024. We still have a long season ahead of us and, like always, I will give my absolute best for the team and for the Tifosi all around the world."

He calmness about his future is justified - the 29-year-old is in-demand with Audi particularly keen on hiring him to be the star driver for their new F1 project in 2026. And former Ferrari favourite Jean Alesi, who was critical of the decision to let Sainz go, also has no concerns about the Spaniard's place on the grid.

Alesi said: "[Sainz is] a true gentleman of motorsports who is currently in an uncomfortable and undeserved situation. I am convinced that he will find new opportunities to continue on the grid taking into account his talent and the prestige he has gained by racing alongside Leclerc."

Daniel Moxon