Carlos Sainz revealed that he knew Ferrari was planning to replace him with Lewis Hamilton, admitting that the news had hit him hard ahead of the 2018 Formula One season.
Sainz is prepared for his fourth season at the Scuderia. But it will also be his last, following confirmation that Hamilton has agreed to leave Mercedes to join Maranello.
Charles Leclerc signed a new contract extension only last month, thus Sainz will be making way for the seven-time world champion. He acknowledged this in a quick social media remark on the same day Hamilton made his declaration.
However, the Spaniard has since explained the situation in greater detail. Speaking with Sky Italy, he promised to channel his thoughts toward the decision into the campaing ahead and hopefully, finish his ferrari career on a high
He replied, “No, I was not disappointed. Having seen Ferrari from the inside, I already knew a few things and prepared with the team for any adjustments. I don’t want to worry about anything else except how to give my all to Ferrari this season.
“It’s not the best way to start the season, but the moment I put on my helmet in Bahrain and hit the track, the only feeling I’ll have is the desire to push harder and harder, with the goal of winning the championship.”
“I know how much I’m worth as a driver, therefore I’m pretty comfortable about the future. Good things will certainly come, but for now, my goal remains to do my best with ferrari
Sainz previously made a similar pledge to fans. He commented on his social media channels: “Scuderia Ferrari and I will part ways at the end of 2024.” We still have a long season ahead of us, and as usual, I will do my absolute best for the club and Tifosi all around the world.”
His confidence in his future is reasonable; the 29-year-old is in high demand, with Audi particularly interested in employing him as the star driver for their new Formula One project in 2026. Former Ferrari favourite Jean Alesi, who was critical of the decision to let Sainz go, is likewise unconcerned by the Spaniard’s position 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.”
