Passion, prestige, prowess.
These are just a few words that call to mind Ferrari’s Formula One team. Its rosso scuderia-colored car with the cavallino rampante logo — the black prancing horse on the vibrant yellow background — captivates attention around the world. Team founder Enzo Ferrari is believed to once have said, “Ask a child to draw a car, and certainly he will draw it red.”
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People dream of driving a Ferrari, whether it be on the road or on a racetrack somewhere around the world. It has been synonymous with F1, the only team that has competed every year since the world championship began in 1950. The likes of Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher and Kimi Räikkönen have all won titles with the Maranello-based team. And now, Lewis Hamilton will look to join their ranks.
Lewis Hamilton adds his name to an elite club of those who have driven for the prestigious @ScuderiaFerrari in Formula 1 ✨✍️#F1 @LewisHamilton pic.twitter.com/bhWcJZp4AF
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 1, 2024
It’s been well over a decade since the team won a constructors’ or drivers’ championship, but the news of Hamilton leaving Mercedes for the Prancing Horse in 2025, to drive alongside Charles Leclerc, renews the tifosi’s hope Ferrari will return to its winning ways. It came as a shock given Hamilton said just last year there was “no place I would rather be” than Mercedes, his home of 11 years.
But this is Ferrari, and as Sebastian Vettel famously said in 2016, “Everyone is a Ferrari fan. Even if they say they’re not, they are Ferrari fans.”
Only as the details emerged and fandoms reacted to the news on social media, Carlos Sainz became collateral damage and was left to grapple with the harsh truth: he had become Ferrari’s third choice driver for the future despite achieving something no other non-Red Bull driver could in 2023.
Win.
A ‘Smooth Operator’
Fireworks exploded in the sky as the crowd erupted in cheers. Ferrari team members waved the Italian and team flags with pride as the 29-year-old Sainz climbed on his car and threw his hands in the air, holding up one finger — No. 1.
Sainz spoiled Red Bull’s perfect season with a win in Singapore, but as many fans will recall, it wasn’t a runaway. The Spaniard started on pole but needed to switch up his strategy. In a calculated move, he kept former McLaren teammate Lando Norris within DRS range — a counterintuitive move that helped Norris fend off the chasing Mercedes duo of George Russell and Hamilton.
GO DEEPERHow ‘Carlando’ denied Russell in Singapore — and ended Red Bull’s perfect seasonSainz needed to slow down enough to keep Norris within range but be fast enough to not allow the McLaren to overtake him. It’s more difficult than it sounds, and it’s the kind of strategic maneuver that showcases Sainz’s talent.
“There was in particularly one lap that I think Lando defended into (Turns) 16-17, and then I had to slow down a lot into T1-2-3 to give him DRS again,” Sainz said after the race. “I think that move actually, saved my race, saved also Lando’s P2 because I feel like there, if not, I would have been also dead meat. If the Mercs would have passed Lando, I think they could have got past me pretty easily.”
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Over the course of his F1 career, Sainz has become known for his methodical approach, calm attitude and thoughtful feedback. He’s been consistent each step of the way, leveling up his game and adapting to a team’s environment. Looking back on his (so far) three-year stint at Ferrari, his journey has been marked with highs and lows. He outscored Leclerc in year one, but the Monegasque outqualified and beat Sainz in year two. Come 2023, the Spaniard struggled during the first half of the season but was consistent. He found his groove after the summer break and led Leclerc heading into the Singapore GP weekend. Leclerc ultimately finished the year six points ahead of Sainz, who recorded a DNF in Abu Dhabi.
It’s not a subpar performance. Leclerc and Sainz created one of the strongest, most complete pairings on the grid. The pressure of being a Ferrari driver is widely known as everyone scrutinizes the team, and Sainz consistently was competitive against his teammate, sometimes being the stronger Prancing Horse driver.
The next chapter
In F1, consistency is critical. Sainz brings that to the table; a zero-point weekend is rare. The two-time grand prix winner is more than capable of racing for a top team and is one of the most complete drivers. He shows flashes of wise moves like what fans saw in Singapore. Remember the dummy move in Australia that truly showed his nickname, ‘Smooth Operator?’ And he’s calm under pressure, like when he secured pole position at Monza.
With what’s expected to be a hot drivers market looming for 2025, options are open but are they appealing, particularly given Sainz’s caliber?
Carlos Sainz celebrating his Singapore GP win —the only non-Red Bull victory of 2023. (MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images)
A slew of teams are believed to have slots opening, like Sauber (which will become Audi in 2026), Alpine (who he drove for when it was known as Renault), Red Bull (though Daniel Ricciardo is in the picture) and Williams, to name a few. Mercedes could engage in a seat swap — Andrea Kimi Antonelli is rising through the junior ranks, but it would be a big ask to slide an 18-year-old into Hamilton’s spot.
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Yes, there are more questions than answers on what’s next for Sainz, but he will be a prime player on the market given his track record. He thrives off of stability, so he’ll likely seek a multi-year contract. This never was a matter of a lack of talent.
“We still have a long season ahead of us and, like always, I will give my absolute best for the team and for the Tifosi all around the world,” Sainz said in a statement after the Hamilton news was made official.
“News about my future will be announced in due course.”
GO DEEPERHow Lewis Hamilton transcended Formula One stardom(Lead photo of Carlos Sainz: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
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Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in this article.
Ferrari's Formula One Team
Ferrari's Formula One team is renowned for its passion, prestige, and prowess in the world of motorsports. The team's iconic red-colored car with the prancing horse logo has captivated attention worldwide.
Enzo Ferrari and the History of Ferrari
Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the Ferrari team, is known for his quote, "Ask a child to draw a car, and certainly he will draw it red." This statement reflects the association of the color red with Ferrari cars.
Ferrari's Legacy in Formula One
Ferrari is the only team that has competed in every year since the Formula One World Championship began in 1950. Over the years, legendary drivers like Alberto Ascari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher, and Kimi Räikkönen have won titles with the Maranello-based team.
Lewis Hamilton Joining Ferrari
The news of Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025, alongside Charles Leclerc, has renewed hope among Ferrari fans that the team will return to its winning ways. This move came as a surprise, as Hamilton had previously expressed his contentment with Mercedes.
Carlos Sainz's Performance
Carlos Sainz, who is currently driving for Ferrari, achieved a significant victory in Singapore, spoiling Red Bull's perfect season in 2023. Sainz showcased his talent and strategic maneuvering during the race, demonstrating his methodical approach, calm attitude, and thoughtful feedback.
Sainz's Performance at Ferrari
During his time at Ferrari, Sainz has had highs and lows. In his first year, he outscored his teammate Charles Leclerc, but in the second year, Leclerc outqualified and beat Sainz. In 2023, Sainz struggled during the first half of the season but found his groove after the summer break. Ultimately, Leclerc finished the year ahead of Sainz, but their partnership was considered one of the strongest on the grid.
Sainz's Future in Formula One
As the 2025 drivers' market approaches, there are several potential options for Sainz. Teams like Sauber (which will become Audi in 2026), Alpine, Red Bull, and Williams are believed to have openings. Sainz's track record and consistent performance make him an attractive option for teams looking for a skilled and reliable driver. It is expected that Sainz will seek a multi-year contract and carefully consider his options before making a decision.
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