February 1st 2024 will long be remembered in Formula 1 circles. Scuderia Ferrari announced the extraordinary news that they signed Lewis Hamilton for 2025 on a multi-year deal.
That means Carlos Sainz’s future beyond this year is yet to be sorted as Charles Leclerc will be partnering the seven-time World Champion following an extension to his deal in January.
The Spaniard made a good start in trying to impress other teams as he looks for a drive next year. After qualifying a solid P4 in Bahrain last Friday for the season opener — a tenth and two places behind his Monegasque teammate — he lost a place to Sergio Perez at the start.
Nonetheless, he managed to clinically overtake the ailing cars of Charles Leclerc (x2) and George Russell to finish in a very solid P3 and kick off his season in a good way, with the 29-year-old bagging his nineteenth podium overall in F1.
The 2-time Grand Prix winner also pushed Sergio Perez all the way to the end as he kept within 4s of the Mexican in 2nd.
Asked about the reaction of Sainz and his performance in Bahrain — the Spaniard was competing in his first race since he found out Ferrari would not be renewing his contract beyond the end of this season — the French team principal lauded the professionalism and performance of the Spaniard.
“Honestly, I was convinced that he will have this kind of reaction. It’s also why we decided to do the announcement quite early, to turn the page and to be focused on the season.
“And the reaction of Carlos was more than professional, that it’s okay that I have one year to go. I will do my best from the first corner to the last corner of the season.
“And today was very strong, very solid. He did a very good job. I’m more than happy with the job that he did today.”
