Ferrari officials are reportedly regretting their decision to sign seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton following a disappointing 2025 season. With seven races left in the year, Hamilton has yet to reach the podium, while teammate Charles Leclerc has already secured five podium finishes, highlighting the struggling pace of the former Mercedes driver at Ferrari.
Adding to Ferrari’s challenges, Carlos Sainz, whom Hamilton replaced, achieved his first podium of the season driving for Williams in Baku, surpassing Hamilton’s best finish at the same event. Hamilton ended the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in eighth place, intensifying concerns within Ferrari about his performance.
Assessing the Impact of Replacing Sainz with Hamilton
During his tenure at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz earned four race wins and 26 podiums, though he never captured a world championship title—something Hamilton holds multiple times. However, Sainz’s consistent performances continue to cast a shadow over Hamilton’s struggles this season.
I think some people in the team do [regret replacing Sainz],
said Guenther Steiner, former Formula 1 team principal, on The Red Flags Podcast.
Steiner added,
“I think obviously management cannot feel regret because you would be admitting that you did something wrong, and you cannot do that, because I’m sure that some of the guys there are feeling regret, because Ferrari finished eighth and ninth in Baku.”
Carlos Sainz, now with Williams, finished third, so it’s like, I guess the guy feeling best about it is Carlos Sainz.
Steiner also noted the advantages Sainz provided to Ferrari before his departure.
Steiner continued,
“I mean, Carlos was doing a good job. They wouldn’t have all the interference from outside of Lewis not performing, so the team could focus on going racing, making things better, instead of always trying to find out why Lewis doesn’t like the car.”
He acknowledged the stability that Sainz brought:
“They had a known quantity with Carlos; he could deliver, and Lewis obviously, I mean, I respect Lewis, but in the moment, for the unrest he brings into the team and around the team, is it a worthwhile investment? Maybe not.”
Also, the investment money-wise, I’m pretty sure it’s a lot higher with Lewis than with Carlos.
Steiner remarked on the financial implications of signing Hamilton over Sainz.
Looking Ahead: Ferrari’s Challenges and Strategy
Ferrari faces mounting pressure to reverse its fortunes as Hamilton struggles to replicate his former success with Mercedes. While Leclerc continues to perform strongly, Ferrari’s disappointment at Baku and the growing questions around Hamilton’s fit with the team signify deeper issues that must be addressed. The moments ahead will test whether Ferrari can rebuild harmony and competitiveness before the 2025 season concludes.
