Carlos Sainz vows to bounce back after Ferrari decision: ‘I know my value as a driver’

Carlos Sainz is confident he will bounce back from Ferrari’s decision to replace him for the 2025 F1 season, stating “there will be good things in the future”.

Sainz is currently without an F1 drive for next season due to Lewis Hamilton’s shock decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari.

It’s likely the Spaniard won’t be short of offers though given his impressive form over the last five seasons.

Sainz out-scored Lando Norris during their two years together at McLaren, while more recently, he’s stacked up well against Charles Leclerc.

Mercedes, Red Bull, Audi (currently Sauber) and Williams are all reported options for Sainz, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Sainz revealed he was “prepared” for the Hamilton news.

“From the inside I knew and saw things before all of you, I was prepared,” he said.

“Knowing that it will be the last year with a team is not the most normal thing to start a new season but as soon as I put on my helmet in Bahrain and get on the track, you can be sure that I will only think about going as fast as possible and if there is the chance to become world champion I will try to take it.”

Sainz remains solely focused on this year’s championship and is “more motivated than ever” for when he leaves the Scuderia at the end of this year.

“I want to think only about this season, about doing my best for Ferrari in this championship,” he added. 

“I am a driver who every year has become stronger and stronger. I have not taken steps backwards but only forwards in my career and I am continuing to grow.

“This year I will turn 30 but I feel younger and more motivated than ever. 

"I know what my value is as a driver and I know that There will be good things in the future but this year I want to do my best with Ferrari.”