Jolyon Palmer reveals his ideal Ferrari teammate for Charles Leclerc based on 'pure performance'

13/12/2024 00:16

The 2025 Formula 1 campaign promises to bring significant changes at Ferrari as Charles Leclerc prepares to welcome a new teammate to Maranello. This shift comes as the Scuderia embarks on a bold new chapter with the arrival of the sport's most decorated driver, Lewis Hamilton, who will don Ferrari's legendary red racing overalls for the first time.

For Carlos Sainz, however, the narrative unfolded differently. Long before the 2024 season even began, he was aware it would be his swan song with Ferrari. The Spaniard entered the year knowing it was his last chance to leave an indelible mark on the team and demonstrate his worth to other top-tier manufacturers.

Ferrari's announcement of Hamilton's signing in February set off a domino effect in the driver market, reshaping lineups across the grid. At least six teams will feature new pairings next season, reflecting the seismic impact of Hamilton's move.

The announcement also lit a fire under Carlos Sainz, who approached the season determined to showcase his capabilities and secure a competitive seat for 2025. Despite his best efforts, the Spaniard will be racing for Williams next year—a move Martin Brundle has described as a "travesty," arguing that Carlos Sainz's performances warranted consideration from teams like Mercedes or Red Bull.

Jolyon Palmer, speaking on the *Chequered Flag Podcast*, echoed this sentiment while reflecting on Carlos Sainz's year. He believes 2024 was the Spaniard’s strongest season in Formula 1, raising questions about Ferrari's decision to part ways with him.

Jolyon Palmer Applauds Carlos Sainz's Best F1 Season Amid Ferrari Departure

Palmer specifically highlighted Sainz's performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as evidence of the driver's growth and resilience. He suggested that if Ferrari had the benefit of hindsight, they might reconsider their choice, given the remarkable consistency and maturity Sainz displayed throughout the year.

As the grid prepares for its shakeup in 2025, Carlos Sainz's legacy at the Maranello team will undoubtedly remain a topic of debate. Despite his exit, he has left an impression not only on the team but also on the broader F1 paddock, with pundits like Palmer and Brundle championing his talent and questioning whether Ferrari's gamble on change was the right call.

"Well there was kind of an irony in that Ferrari to win the championship needed the guy that they had ousted to win the race and he gave it a good shot. He finished within six seconds of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz has been really good this year.” – the British former racing driver, broadcaster and journalist pointed out – “I really think this has been one of his best seasons in Formula 1, maybe his best. I think on pure performance if the decision wasn't made at the start of the year he'd probably stay at Ferrari. He's been a professional, he gave it everything to the last and I don't see that Ferrari lost the championship today I actually think they gave a great account of themselves with both cars. Leclerc coming third was a sensational turnaround as well they just couldn't quite get over the line and that's no small part down to down to the drivers they both were excellent." – Jolyon Palmer concluded.

Carlos Sainz Settling in at Williams as Lewis Hamilton Awaits Ferrari Debut

Just days after the curtain fell on the 2024 Formula 1 season, Carlos Sainz has already begun adapting to his new environment at Williams, while Lewis Hamilton remains on standby for his much-anticipated debut with Ferrari.

Carlos Sainz wasted no time transitioning to his new team, taking part in a brief demonstration run on Monday before diving into a full day of testing on Tuesday. Although his initial lap times with Williams were a far cry from the speed he exhibited at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz quickly found his footing and showed steady progress throughout the session. The testing provided him with valuable insight into his new machinery, setting the stage for what is likely to be a challenging yet pivotal season.

Meanwhile, Hamilton's Ferrari journey is off to a slower start. The seven-time world champion has yet to get behind the wheel of his new car as he continues to fulfill his final sponsorship commitments with Mercedes. Ferrari, keen to maximize their investment in the sport's most decorated driver, is unlikely to delay Hamilton's first test session once January arrives.

All eyes will inevitably turn to Hamilton as the grid prepares for the 2025 season opener in Australia at the Albert Park circuit. Fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how the Briton measures up against his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, in what promises to be one of the most scrutinized intra-team battles on the grid.

For now, Carlos Sainz is focused on acclimating to Williams, while Lewis Hamilton bides his time, ready to make his mark in the iconic red of Maranello. The contrasting trajectories of these two drivers only add to the intrigue as Formula 1 heads into a season brimming with fresh narratives and heightened expectations.

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