Max Verstappen defends Ferrari for signing Lewis to replace Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz will be ousted by the Scuderia to make way for Lewis Hamilton next season.

Max Verstappen defends Ferrari for signing Lewis to replace Carlos Sainz

Max Verstappen [L] Carlos Sainz [C] Lewis Hamilton [R] (images via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton shocked the sporting world by announcing his decision to join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time world champion decided to part ways with Mercedes after over a decade to replace Carlos Sainz at Maranello. Many criticized the Italian team for not renewing Sainz’s contract. However, Max Verstappen justified this move by the Scuderia.

Verstappen claimed that it was normal for any team to go out of its way to accommodate a multiple world champion like Lewis Hamilton. The Dutch driver highlighted that room needed to be made for Hamilton to race in red this year. Max Verstappen reckoned that it was a reasonable decision by Ferrari to retain Charles Leclerc instead of Carlos Sainz.

If Lewis decides to go somewhere else, as a team it is normal to try to do something more to try and take a seven-time world champion. Someone had to make room for him and it seemed reasonable to confirm Charles.

Max Verstappen said, as reported by FormulaPassion.it
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The reigning world champion mentioned that Leclerc’s long-standing relationship with the Scuderia could’ve been a factor in this decision. The Monegasque driver has raced for Maranello in F1 since 2019 before being part of its driver academy. Max Verstappen admitted that this was unfortunate for Carlos Sainz.

Since he [Charles Leclerc] has been working with them for so long. Unfortunately sometimes it goes like this.

Max Verstappen stated

Max Verstappen claims Carlos Sainz needs to make the ‘right choice’ for 2025

Carlos Sainz has bounced back with a stellar form this season. The Spanish driver took an incredible victory at the Australian GP, defeating Leclerc. The 29-year-old has been reported to be on Audi’s radar to join the Sauber-run Stake F1 team before the German carmaker takes overs the Swiss squad in 2026.

Carlos Sainz Feature
Carlos Sainz ( Image via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen claimed that Carlos Sainz is a talented driver. The Dutchman reckoned that the Spaniard didn’t need to worry about any uncertainty over his future in the sport. Rather, Verstappen insisted that Sainz must focus on making the right choice for next season.

But Sainz is good, he doesn’t have to worry and he just has to make the right choice.

Max Verstappen concluded

Sainz is yet to make a call on his team for the 2025 season. The 29-year-old has highlighted that he will be speeding up negotiations while maintaining contact with multiple teams. As such, fans could be hearing about Carlos Sainz’s new outfit in the coming weeks. Although, the Spanish driver did not give a particular timeline for his decision.

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