Ferrari’s Decision to Replace Sainz with Hamilton Questioned as Sainz Shines
Frederic Vasseur, the boss of Ferrari, has faced criticism for his decision to replace Carlos Sainz with Lewis Hamilton for the upcoming season, with many suggesting that Sainz’s stellar performance this year may have been overlooked.
Sainz has been in exceptional form, securing podium finishes in every race he has competed in, including a victory at the Australian Grand Prix. His success came shortly after recovering from surgery to remove his appendix, a testament to his resilience and skill on the track.
Meanwhile, Hamilton has struggled with his worst start to a season in recent memory, finishing no higher than seventh in the opening three races. Former F1 driver Christian Danner has cautioned that Ferrari might regret their choice to replace Sainz with Hamilton, citing Sainz’s superior performance and speed.
Danner expressed, “If you want Hamilton, you’ve kept the wrong one because he [Sainz] is faster, but that’s highly political. He [Vasseur] should have waited a little longer.”
Sainz’s remarkable form has attracted attention from other teams, with rumors linking him to Stake, the Audi works team from 2026. Additionally, speculation suggests that Red Bull may consider Sainz as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez.
Christian Horner, Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, acknowledged Sainz’s impressive victory in Australia, stating, “Based on a performance like that, you couldn’t rule any possibility out.”
As Sainz continues to shine on the track, Ferrari’s decision to replace him with Hamilton appears to be under scrutiny, raising questions about their future lineup and strategy.