Sainz: Ferrari's title chances ‘only increased’ with Hamilton

Carlos Sainz believes Ferrari’s chances of clinching the Formula 1 World Championship in 2025 have "only increased" with the addition of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton to the Scuderia’s lineup.

As Sainz embarks on his new chapter with Williams, he acknowledges the bittersweet feeling of leaving Ferrari just as he senses they are on the cusp of title contention.

Hamilton's move from Mercedes to the House of Maranello has generated considerable excitement, and Sainz believes the F1 veteran’s experience will be invaluable.

Assessing Hamilton's Prospects

While Sainz has never raced alongside Hamilton, he recognizes the Briton's immense talent and achievements. But assessing the Briton’s prospects with his former team is also dependent on many variable.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve never been team-mates with Lewis so I don’t know what he’s capable of doing,” responded Sainz when queried on the topic during Williams’ Launch event for its FW47 at Silverstone on Friday.

I’ve never seen his data. But I’ve seen Charles [Leclerc] and I know how good Charles is. But I’ve never been team-mate with Lewis and the only way you can more or less evaluate purely a driver is when you’re their team-mate and you see what they’re capable of doing.”

Despite the lack of information, Sainz holds a strong belief in Hamilton's potential.

“When I judge by results and his background and what he’s achieved, I can only say there’s a very high chance that obviously he’s going to be competitive in Ferrari,” he added.

“But, like everything, it will all depend on how well you can adapt to a car, how well you can adapt to a team and in which moment is your team-mate in.

“There are so many variables that it’s impossible for me to predict.”

Ferrari’s Title Chanes Have Only Increased.

Ferrari’s ability to deliver a championship-contending car will obvioulsy also play a crucial role in the success of its drivers this season.

Last year, the Scuderia came tantalizingly close to the constructors’ championship, finishing just 14 points behind McLaren.

With the regulations stabilizing for the final year of the current formula, Ferrari hopes to hit the ground running in 2025.

©Ferrari

At the end of the day, Sainz noted that Hamilton’s arrival, paired with Leclerc’s undeniable talent, sets Ferrari up well to challenge for the title.

“I can only say when I left Ferrari, I did feel the team, both Ferrari and Charles, were ready to fight for a World Championship,” he said.

“With Lewis joining, that chance is only going to increase.”

Whether Hamilton can adapt quickly enough to capitalize on Ferrari’s potential remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Scuderia’s 2025 season is shaping up to be one of its most promising campaigns in years.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.