Sainz on Hamilton's struggles: 'No satisfaction from the evil of another'

Carlos Sainz is enjoying a career renaissance with Williams, but he insists his success brings him no personal satisfaction from Lewis Hamilton's podium-less first season at Ferrari.

Why it matters:

Sainz's move to Williams was widely viewed as a step back, but his performance has redefined his career trajectory and sparked questions about what Ferrari lost. His comments highlight a professional mindset focused on his own path rather than the struggles of his replacement, setting the stage for his future title aspirations.

The details:

• Sainz was unequivocal when asked if Hamilton's difficult season offered him any satisfaction, stating, "I am not at all satisfied with the evil of another."
• His primary satisfaction comes from achieving two podiums (Baku and Qatar) and a Sprint podium in Austin with a team many had written off.
• The Spaniard revealed that his initial move to Williams was met with pity from some quarters, a sentiment he did not share, viewing it instead as a new opportunity.
• When asked if Ferrari misses him, Sainz declined to speculate directly, suggesting such a question should be posed to the Scuderia instead.

The big picture:

While Hamilton endured his first season without a podium in 18 years, Sainz spearheaded Williams' surge to an unexpected fifth place in the constructors' championship. This role reversal underscores the unpredictable nature of driver-team pairings in Formula 1 and how a change of environment can revitalize a career.

What's next:

Sainz's objectives remain firmly fixed on becoming a world champion. He expressed a patient yet determined outlook, stating he is "willing to wait whatever it takes" for the right opportunity in the right car to fight for the title. His 2025 season was less about Hamilton's struggles and more about proving his own worth and laying the groundwork for that future challenge.