Williams' Carlos Sainz has admitted to fighting an inner "demon" during the 2024 F1 season that tempted him to disrupt his Ferrari team after learning he would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
Ferrari announced before the 2024 Formula 1 season began that it had signed the seven-time World Champion on a multi-year deal from 2025 onward – a bombshell decision that shocked Mercedes and left Sainz without a seat.
While the news could have derailed his focus, the future Williams driver instead channeled his positive and opted for professionalism over pride.
However, the 30-year-old admitted on the High Performance podcast that darker impulses briefly surfaced.
“I understand how a driver with a big ego would maybe just like to tear Ferrari apart that year and maybe become a bit political or become a bit of an infection inside the team,” Sainz confessed, acknowledging the temptation to retaliate against the Scuderia’s decision.
A Battle of Instincts
When pressed on whether he genuinely considered such a path, Sainz revealed the internal conflict he faced.
“Of course. My demon – we all have an angel and a demon – and the demon was like, ‘There are so many things I would like to say or do or change,’” he said.
“But my angel was more powerful at that time and said, ‘No, don’t be that guy, be the professional guy, be the guy that’s just going to give absolutely everything until the last race for this team, and give everyone that has nothing to do with that decision… I owe them my maximum professional level and a good year for the team, for myself, for everyone.
“I’m going to be the professional guy, the good guy, not the one that wants to set this place on fire.”
A Season of Poise and Victory
Sainz’s commitment to professionalism paid off, as he added two wins to his career tally, bringing his total to four. His performances also kept Ferrari competitive in its battle against McLaren, though the team ultimately fell short of the Constructors’ title.
But his performances also sparked questions about why top-tier teams like Mercedes and Red Bull passed him over in the ensuing driver market.
Ultimately, he secured a multi-year contract with Williams, which has led to a fresh chapter in his career, albeit one that is currently testing his resilience following a string of struggles with the Grove-based outfit.
But Sainz’s reflections on his Ferrari exit highlight a driver who, even in the face of adversity, chose to put team and integrity ahead of his personal frustrations.
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