How a 'scorned' Sainz nearly tore Ferrari apart in the wake of Hamilton's signing
Carlos Sainz
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A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
When Lewis Hamilton was signed to Ferrari in 2024, he did so to replace Carlos Sainz, who at the time felt a demon growing within him.
In the aftermath of the decision, Sainz was confronted with what he felt at the time was a premature exit from the Italian team, and the emotions that arose from the situation, as well as, of course, the dark side to them.
Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Sainz said: “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.”
How Sainz's 'angel' prevailed over his 'demon'
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In the face of such an on-the-limit situation, Sainz admitted to having felt the full extent of his 'demon's' reach.
“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.’
Fortunately for Ferrari, and his replacement, Hamilton, Sainz's best side emerged the victor from the philosophical battle waging inside the Spaniard.
“But my angel was more powerful at that time and said, ‘No, don’t be that guy, be the professional guy," Sainz said.
"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…"
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"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,” Sainz concluded.
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