Ex-F1 Champion breaks down how Carlos Sainz might replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2027

Carlos Sainz can find himself in a unique situation at Williams if Lewis Hamilton decides to leave Ferrari after two years.

Ex-F1 Champion breaks down how Carlos Sainz might replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2027

Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz (via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton has currently landed a two-year contract with Ferrari after ditching Mercedes for the new regulations in 2026. Hence, Carlos Sainz was ousted from the team following this move. Sainz has also found a seat at Williams after signing a multi-year deal. As a result, if Hamilton decided to exit the sport after two years, Sainz could find himself in good spot to return.

Damon Hill shared his thoughts on the entire matter and revealed the harsh reality. Hill believed that joining Williams would give great opportunities to Carlos Sainz. The new regulations of the 2026 season could put forth a surprising situation for Grove as they would attempt to move up the pecking order.

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So yeah, I think he’s [Carlos Sainz] got a lot of opportunities.

Damon Hill said on the F1 Nation podcast.

Hill labeled the situation of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari and Carlos Sainz leaving as ‘musical chairs’. However, the Ex-F1 racer noted that this was an unique situation for Sainz especially if Hamilton decided to retire at the end of 2026 season. The Irishman claimed that if the Briton retired after two years from Ferrari, Sainz can make a surprise comeback.

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It’s just the musical chairs. Unfortunately, that’s what it is. Maybe Lewis will retire. You know, maybe he’ll do two years at Ferrari and retire and then Carlos might get another stab at that one.
Damon Hill added
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James Vowles revealed the reasons for Carlos Sainz joining Williams for the coming season

James Vowles further laid out the reasons. Sainz believed in what he saw in the Grove-based constructor which was important. Additionally, the team principal hoped for more success in the future, especially with sponsors after the 29-year-old’s arrival. Apart from this, Vowles reassured that the sponsors remained the same for the time being.

Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz, image via IMAGO
You ask why Carlos joined us, he knows more than you, he can see him, and he believes in what he sees, that's what's important. I have always been consistent with that message, the sponsors are the same, so it doesn't change overnight, but I am sure there will be more successes in the future
James Vowles said.

Carlos Sainz’s current priority would be to end the ultimate season with Ferrari on a high. The Spaniard would attempt to score the best possible results with Williams in the coming season. The team would have to provide the 29-year-old with great machinery to set his foot on the field and start scoring well from the get-go.

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