The father of Carlos Sainz, the Formula One driver replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton, has spoken publicly about the much-discussed Lewis Hamilton Ferrari switch, offering his perspective after Hamilton’s challenging debut season with the Italian team in 2025. Carlos Sainz Sr, a two-time World Rally champion, addressed the situation in a recent interview, reflecting on the past year as Sainz Jr. settled into his new role at Williams.
Impact of Hamilton’s Arrival at Ferrari
When it was announced that Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One drivers’ champion, would take a spot at Ferrari, it led to Carlos Sainz losing his seat with the historic Italian squad. During the 2025 season, both Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc have struggled to claim race victories, with neither managing a win in a full-length Grand Prix so far. Notably, Carlos Sainz remains Ferrari’s most recent race winner, despite not competing for them throughout the entire current season.
The shift was part of a particularly tumultuous off-season in Formula One, with Sainz ultimately landing a position at Williams. Since joining the British outfit, Sainz has managed to outperform Hamilton in terms of results in 2025, already securing two podium finishes while Hamilton is yet to reach the podium this year.
Asked about the transition, Carlos Sainz Sr reinforced the importance of focusing on personal progress rather than dwelling on past changes.
“But my recommendation, and Carlos agrees, is that he focus on his own thing . This world is complicated enough without worrying about everyone else. Let people draw their own conclusions.”
—Carlos Sainz Sr, World Rally Champion
Sainz’s New Chapter at Williams
Since parting ways with Ferrari, Sainz’s career appears to be on an upward curve. With new technical regulations coming to Formula One in 2026, Sainz and the Williams team hope to build momentum and contest for stronger results. In the interview, Sainz Sr expressed his unwavering belief in his son’s talent and potential, though he acknowledged that success would depend significantly on having the right competitive package.
“I have a lot of confidence and I want to believe so,”
—Carlos Sainz Sr, World Rally Champion
The rally icon explained that, while he is optimistic due to his son’s proven ability, Sainz will need a combination of timing, skill, and a supportive team environment to challenge for the world championship title, especially amidst an unpredictable era of change in F1.
“He has to be in the right place at the right time; everything has to align perfectly. I think he’s fighting and working hard to try and achieve it.”
—Carlos Sainz Sr, World Rally Champion
Looking ahead, Sainz Sr is hopeful that Williams can rise to the occasion, although he admits no one can guarantee outcomes with the impending overhaul of F1 regulations.
“I’d like to think that Williams will build a good car and that they’ll be fighting for podiums. As things stand, they could be at the bottom, in the middle, or at the top of the standings. Logically, the stronger teams, when there’s a change in regulations, have more resources and means to be higher up.”
—Carlos Sainz Sr, World Rally Champion
What This Means for Drivers and Fans
With the 2026 rules bringing extensive modifications to every team, much remains uncertain for both those driving and those watching from the grandstands. The Lewis Hamilton Ferrari switch uprooted established dynamics, placing drivers like Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in new and unpredictable career paths. The measured response from Sainz Sr, encouraging focus and resilience, resonates in a sport where fortunes can shift swiftly.
As preparations begin for the next season, all eyes will be on Williams, Ferrari, and the drivers seeking to make the most of the upcoming technical shake-up. The experience and determination of figures like Carlos Sainz Sr continue to influence the way Formula One’s ever-shifting narrative unfolds.
