Carlos Sainz claims he has ‘nothing to prove’ after losing Ferrari seat to Lewis Hamilton

Carlos Sainz insisted that his nine-year-long stint in F1 is a testament to his credibility despite losing his Ferrari seat to Lewis Hamilton for 2025.

Carlos Sainz claims he has ‘nothing to prove’ after losing Ferrari seat to Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz (Via: Imago)

The F1 paddock was shocked to hear about Lewis Hamilton’s $430 million move to Scuderia Ferrari. The Italian team finally succeeded in signing the seven-time world champion after a few failed discussions in the past. However, this meant that Carlos Sainz would be out of a seat at the end of this season. Now, the Spaniard has made it clear that he has nothing to prove despite Ferrari’s decision.

2024 is expected to be a crucial year for Sainz. The 29-year-old will need to secure a seat on the grid for next year. However, the Spanish driver insisted that he had no need to prove himself to anyone this year or to showcase his capabilities over the course of the season. It must be noted that Ferrari insisted that replacing Sainz with Hamilton was not an unfair decision.

Honestly, I don't need a season to prove or to show to anyone what I am capable of.
Carlos Sainz said as reported by Racingnews365
YouTube video

Carlos Sainz reckoned that during his nine-year stay in F1 including a multi-year stint at Ferrari, critics would be aware of Sainz’s talents. The 29-year-old has repeatedly impressed the paddock since his days at Toro Rosso. However, it was the Spaniard’s stints at McLaren and Ferrari that truly made him one of the more exciting talents in Formula 1.

FS Video
I'd think that in nine years in Formula 1, and especially the last three being at a top team like Ferrari, everyone has more or less seen what I am capable of.

What are Carlos Sainz’s options for 2025?

Sainz remains one of the best drivers on the current grid. The 29-year-old received interest from Audi to join the newly-renamed Stake F1 team before the German carmaker takes over the team in 2026. However, the Spaniard had insisted that he was willing to continue with Ferrari. Now, Audi could be the perfect opportunity for Carlos Sainz.

Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz (Via: IMAGO).

However, a move to a new manufacturer could be a gamble. As such, the Spaniard might evaluate other options including Mercedes. Carlos Sainz might be the ideal replacement for Lewis Hamilton, essentially making it a driver swap between Ferrari and the Silver Arrows. Although, the Brackley-based team reportedly has a different driver in mind for this coveted seat.

Carlos Sainz could look at other options for next year including Red Bull. However, for now, Audi and Mercedes might be the main targets for the 29-year-old. Certainly, the Spanish driver would be looking to have a successful final year at Maranello. As such, fans would be looking forward to seeing how things pan out for Sainz in the upcoming F1 season.

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