What Does Lewis Hamilton's Move Away From Mercedes Signify for Carlos Sainz and Ferrari in 2025?

It is a day of great joy and sadness for Ferrari fans all over. News of British F1 icon Lewis Hamilton joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025 had the whole world in utter disbelief coupled with excitement. But, what that represents is also the fact that beloved Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr. takes leave from the squad in the same year to make way for the Brit.

Carlos Sainz is the collateral damage to the biggest F1 news story to break in the 21st Century, the Spaniard having arguably been the strongest Ferrari driver during his so far three-year partnership with Charles Leclerc. However, he can at least take comfort in the fact that of all the drivers to usurp him, it’s the most decorated driver the sport has ever seen.

Sainz took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to confirm the news of his departure from the team after the 2024 season and stated that news regarding his future will be announced in due time.

“Following today’s news, Scuderia Ferrari and myself will part ways at the end of 2024,” read the Spaniard’s post.

“We still have a long season ahead of us, and, like always, I will give my absolute best for the team and for the Tifosi all around the world.

“News about my future will be announced in due course.”

Ferrari had just recently also announced a new multi-year deal for ace driver Charles Leclerc. Couple that with the news of Hamilton’s arrival, it necessarily means that there is no room for Sainz in the team beyond his current 2024 deal with Ferrari.

Figuring out the contract situation with Sainz has been a lingering topic of discussion in the F1 circles. Sainz made it clear that he wanted his future to be secured before the start of the new season so he could enter with a clear head. The Spaniard – signed by ex-Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto – thought this meant agreeing revised terms with the squad’s new F1 boss Fred Vasseur.

But, the recent news of Hamilton’s move leaves Sainz as a free agent heading into the 2025 season when, as it stands right now, no more than 13 seats will be up for grabs.

So, what can possibly be an option for the Spaniard?

Well, a potential one would be to take over the seat that was just left vacant by Hamilton himself in Mercedes. The equivalent of a straight swap would make sense for both parties.

Sources say Sainz has a good relationship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and there have been multiple conversations between his management team and the Silver Arrows over the last few years.

Mercedes get a super consistent driver who scores well and whose feedback has been highly-rated by every team he’s ever driven for in F1 – a key tool for a team that has struggled with performance in recent years. He has also got on well with every team mate – and there’s no reason to believe that won’t continue with Russell.