“I honestly don’t think so” : Carlos Sainz if Lewis Hamilton is better than him
Carlos Sainz has been one of the most consistent performers in F1 during recent years, with multiple podium finishes during his time with McLaren and now with the Scuderia Ferrari. He has also given a competitive fight to his teammate Charles Leclerc.
But this year, history repeated itself for the Spainard, as he was picked ahead of his Monégasque teammate for getting replaced with none other than Lewis Hamilton, just like Max Verstappen was promoted above Sainz during their time in Torro Rosso (now AlphaTauri).
The Spainard will now be the lead man for Williams racing in 2025, as he is set to have a fresh start to his almost 10-year career, to which the fans believe is a downgrade. But during his recent interview with GQ Spain, Sainz was asked about if the Briton is currently better than him, to which he had a confident reply.
“I honestly don’t think so, obviously not. Just like if you ask the other 18 drivers this question, they will answer the same thing. I think I am the best option for any Formula 1 team because if I didn’t have this mentality, I wouldn’t be a Formula 1 driver and I wouldn’t have the competitive spirit that I have. And the other drivers will answer the same thing,” said the 29-year-old
Carlos Sainz admits to understand Ferrari’s decision
While the Spaniard may obviously be disheartened to get replaced, he does admit that getting the Briton onboard is the best decision the Italian team has made in recent times. Apart from his on-track performances, Lewis Hamilton can triple Ferrari’s revenue aspect due to his ridiculous sponsorships and the stature he has built for himself over the years. Carlos Sainz understands this, and also believes getting replaced by the ‘best driver in the history of the sport’ is not the worst thing in the world.
“I obviously understand Ferrari’s decision, the opportunity to sign a seven-time F1 world champion and what that can entail and attract a team. That’s why, when I’ve looked at it in a reflective way, it hasn’t hurt me so much. Because in the end it’s not that any other driver is replacing you, but you’re replacing the best driver in the history of this sport, or one of the best drivers in the history of this sport. And in the end, if I have to be replaced by one, let it be that one,” said Sainz, with humility and respect towards Ferrari and the Briton.
The Spainard is yet to be a world champion, but has remained a constant threat to his rivals and has secured 21 podium finishes with 5 pole positions and 3 victories. He has also made ‘peace’ with the fact that he never really had the right car to become a top world championship challenger. When asked about his time with Ferrari, Sainz provided an emotional response.
“Above all, it was the people I worked with. In the end, that’s what you’ll remember: your friends and the people you work with. And obviously the successes, which are those three victories. The fact I got the first [F1] victory of my life, having achieved it with Ferrari on a circuit like Silverstone, the victory in Singapore and above all the one in Australia, which was a great moment after the operation. The successes and the people, that’s what I’ll remember.” the Spainard concluded.
While it may be discouraging and unfair for fans to see one of the best drivers in this era drop in the midfield next season, Mr. ‘Smooth Operator’ still has 10 races left in his Ferrari gear. The soon to be 30-year-old will be looking to end his tenure with the Reds in the finest way possible, as he can push to the limits with nothing to lose.
