Ferrari: Difficult Decision To Replace Carlos Sainz With Lewis Hamilton For The 2025 Season

JAKARTA - Ferrari's team leader, Fred Vasseur, revealed that the decision to replace his racer this season, Carlos Sainz, with Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season, was one of the toughest decisions of his life.

Vasseur stated that conveying the news to Sainz was a tough moment for him. However, he believes that Sainz is a professional who understands that this decision is part of the dynamics of racing.

"He is a very professional racer, that he understands that we have a long season ahead of us, (that this) is a great opportunity," he said.

The decision, according to Vasseur, came after a long discussion on the team. However, Ferrari will continue to support Sainz in his racing career in the future.

"We had a long discussion, and of course, I will fully support Carlos. He is fully committed and we know that we have to do this work together. We are professionals," said Vasseur.

With Hamilton's arrival to Ferrari in the 2025 season, Sainz still has to look for another team for that season. However, Vasseur insists that having a world champion like Hamilton is a chance that cannot be ignored.

"For the team, chances with Lewis are something to consider. He is a person with a lot of experience, this is a great opportunity for us. It has nothing to do with (performance) Carlos," said Vasseur.

Nonetheless, Vasseur ensures that Sainz and Ferrari will fully focus on this season, with the aim of performing their best on track.

"We are fully focused on 2024... I am sure Carlos will be fully dedicated and fully committed to laps and final corners of the season. I am sure the whole team will be motivated and fully support Carlos, he has done a good job for us so far," he stressed.