Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton for 2025, effectively moving Carlos Sainz out of Maranello, continues to reverberate across the Formula 1 paddock. Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has suggested that some within Ferrari may already be questioning the move, even as Sainz himself signals a personal evolution: Hamilton, once an idol, is now simply a competitor to beat.
Steiner’s perspective: quiet doubts inside Maranello
Speaking about Ferrari’s bold driver-market play, Steiner indicated there could be elements within the team who regret replacing Sainz with Hamilton. The subtext is clear: Sainz’s stock has risen substantially, and the decision to part ways with a proven, in-form driver inevitably invites scrutiny—especially in an era where stability, operational excellence, and fine margins often decide championships.
Ferrari’s bet on Hamilton is, of course, also understandable. A multiple world champion brings staggering experience, racecraft under pressure, and an aura that can lift an entire operation. Yet Steiner’s comment captures a tension any top team faces: balancing the gravitational pull of a megastar with the momentum and chemistry built around a driver already delivering.
Sainz’s mindset shift: from inspiration to direct opposition
In parallel, Carlos Sainz has articulated a personal shift in how he views Hamilton: the childhood hero has become the benchmark rival. It’s a natural evolution for elite athletes who grow up watching legends and then meet them wheel-to-wheel at 300 km/h. For Sainz, that reframing underscores a quiet confidence—respect remains, but sentiment gives way to the ruthless clarity of competition.
What it means for 2025 and beyond
Ferrari’s 2025 driver lineup—Hamilton partnered with Charles Leclerc—sets up one of the most intriguing intra-team dynamics of the modern era. Meanwhile, Sainz’s next chapter will be closely watched; his blend of technical feedback, race execution, and resilience makes him a pivotal figure in the driver market.
- The strategic gamble: Ferrari trades continuity for the ceiling of Hamilton’s championship pedigree.
- Sainz’s trajectory: From admired onlooker to direct challenger—mindset that often precedes a fresh peak.
- Competitive ripple effects: The move reshapes rival strategies and the balance of power up and down the grid.
Whether Steiner’s hinted doubts are fleeting or foundational will become clearer as results roll in. For now, Ferrari’s future is bold; Sainz’s intent is bolder.
