Carlos Sainz Respects Lewis Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari: “No Hard Feelings,” Says Spaniard

In a recent revelation, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz expressed his support for Lewis Hamilton’s decision to take his seat for the upcoming Formula 1 season. Sainz emphasized mutual respect between them, affirming his understanding of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, stating, “I would have done the same in his position.”

Key Takeaways:

• Sainz holds no grudges against Hamilton and supports his move to Ferrari, citing mutual respect.
• Rumors swirl about Sainz’s potential future with Red Bull, Audi, or Mercedes, as he seeks a new F1 seat.
• Both drivers highlight their positive relationship and hope it remains unchanged despite professional shifts.

With Lewis Hamilton’s impending move from Mercedes to Ferrari, alongside Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz finds himself on the lookout for a new team. Speculation regarding his future has linked him to seats at Red Bull, Audi, and Mercedes.

Sainz’s response to the situation showcases his mature approach and respect for Hamilton’s career trajectory. Speaking candidly to Formula1.com before the Bahrain Grand Prix, Sainz remarked:

“From my side obviously no hard feelings, with anyone.

“I think this is how the sport works. Obviously I have a lot of respect for Lewis, the success he’s had and obviously the choice to join Ferrari. I would have done the same in his position.

“I think Ferrari’s a great team and at some point towards the second half of your career – or at the end, I don’t know where he’s at right now, he only knows – but for sure it’s a team you would like to be part of, so I fully understand that. And [with] someone like Fred [Vasseur] that he knows and he has a good relationship with and trusts, it’s a no-brainer to go to Ferrari.

“From my side obviously, as I said, no hard feelings. I’m focusing on my future and where am I going to go next, and in the meantime [I will] keep doing the best I can for this team.”

Hamilton reciprocated Sainz’s sentiments, acknowledging the Spaniard’s growth within the sport and expressing hope for their continued positive relationship:

“I second what Carlos said in the sense that I think what’s most important is that we have, I think, a really good relationship.

“I think that’s something that all us drivers have actually improved on over these past couple of years. There’s a huge amount of respect between us all and I have a huge amount of respect for Carlos. I don’t feel like there’s any animosity or anything like that.

“I think he’s done an amazing job. He’s come a long way obviously from when he started within the sport to the output that he has now and the way he approaches things. He’s grown to be a real strong voice within the driver line-up that we have and has really been contributing to decisions that we’re making within the sport.

“He’s clearly done a great job within his team, so it’s not a personal thing, it’s what happens in this racing world and I hope that nothing changes between us. I don’t think that it will.”

The exchange between Sainz and Hamilton underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect prevalent among Formula 1 drivers, despite the competitive nature of the sport. As Sainz explores his future options, the foundation of respect and understanding laid between the two drivers remains unshaken.