Carlos Sainz admits that Ferrari’s bombshell decision last winter to replace him with Lewis Hamilton equated to a physical blow that left him both shocked and unprepared, but from which he emerged as an even stronger driver and individual.
Sainz had been settling into his role at Ferrari, building relationships and contributing to the team's efforts, with the expectation of a long-term future with the Scuderia.
But the 30-year-old then had to suddenly grapple with the “massive shock” to his hopes. The rug was pulled out from under him, leaving him to navigate not only the demanding on-track pressures of a Formula 1 season, but also the stressful search for a new team.
It was a precarious balancing act, that demanded immense focus and resilience. Speaking on the most recent episode of F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, Sainz described the initial impact of the news with raw honesty.
“I think at the beginning of the year, I was tested more than I’ve ever been tested before and life put me in a situation that was not comfortable at all,” Sainz commented.
“I was told that I was not going to continue with the team that I was 99% sure I was going to continue with going into that winter. It was a massive shock to my hopes and I obviously didn’t enjoy that moment.
“I still trained and I still prepared for that season, targeting to be ready to win races, to win a championship if the opportunity presented itself, and I went into that year still full of energy, but obviously with this uncomfortable situation and an uncomfortable moment.”
Despite the turmoil, Sainz refused to let the situation define him. He channeled his energy into his driving, determined to prove his worth.
The 2024 season became a testament to his strength of character. He achieved remarkable results, including a memorable victory at the Australian Grand Prix, just weeks after suffering from appendicitis.
“I remember being very emotional on that Australian Grand Prix podium because there was my dad there, there was obviously my manager, my girlfriend, everyone who’s been next to me. I was obviously thinking about my mum,” he recalled.
“They’ve all seen me suffer during the winter. When I say suffer, I don’t mean I was crying behind closed doors, but I was actually hurt. I was hurt because I didn’t expect it. I wasn’t prepared for that kind of news. I was a bit in a shock for a while.
“I remember after Australia thinking how lucky I am to have the people that I have around me, supporting me and giving me that inner strength to overcome what was a tough moment.”
Looking back, Sainz can now see the experience in a different light. The initial shock and hurt have given way to a sense of growth and self-discovery.
“Now when I look back at it, I’m almost happy, proud that it happened, because it made me a much better driver and a much better athlete in general,” he added.
Sainz has since secured a future with Williams from 2025 onwards, a new chapter that he embraces with enthusiasm. However, he doesn't rule out a potential return to Ferrari in the distant future.
“Yeah, why not? I don’t see why not,” he said. “At the same time, I cannot see it happening anytime soon. But life is long. I’m 30. You see drivers at 42 in F1, so if I’m in F1 for as long as that, who tells you that in these next 10 years, Ferrari might need my services again in the future?”
He adds a note of realism: “This doesn’t mean I wish for it to happen or I’m looking forward to it or anything like that – I have a very big target in my head now, which is help Williams to bring them back to the front of the field – but I don’t think about it too much.”
His focus is now firmly set on the future, and he has moved on from the hurt, using the experience as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
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