Sainz takes 'no satisfaction' from Hamilton's Ferrari struggles, focused on Williams future

Carlos Sainz says he takes no satisfaction from Lewis Hamilton's difficult first season at Ferrari, which yielded zero podiums, a stark contrast to the Spaniard's own two top-three finishes with Williams. For Sainz, the joy comes solely from proving the doubters wrong and achieving strong results with his new team, while his focus remains firmly on a future world championship bid.

Why it matters:

Sainz's classy response underscores a professional mindset focused on his own performance rather than the struggles of his replacement. His successful adaptation at Williams, lifting the team to fifth in the standings, validates his decision and skill, while Hamilton's podium-less season at Ferrari adds a complex layer to one of the most dramatic driver market moves in recent F1 history.

The details:

• Informed of his Ferrari departure before the 2024 season even began, Sainz secured a move to Williams for 2025 after being passed over by top teams like Red Bull and Mercedes.
• He immediately delivered results, scoring podiums in Azerbaijan and Qatar with Williams, while Hamilton at Ferrari recorded his first-ever F1 season without a single grand prix podium.
• When asked if he found satisfaction in Hamilton's troubles, Sainz was unequivocal: "I am not at all satisfied with the evil of another." His satisfaction stems from achieving podiums "when last year there were many doubts about being able to achieve it" with Williams.
• Sainz reflected on the perception of his move, noting that some "felt sorry for me" when he signed for Williams, a feeling he did not share, seeing it instead as "a new chapter, another opportunity."

The big picture:

The 2025 season served as a vivid comparison between Sainz's past and present. While he thrived at Williams, Ferrari—the team that replaced him—slumped to fourth in the Constructors' Championship, scoring less than half the points of champion McLaren. Sainz's former teammate, Charles Leclerc, also failed to win a race. When asked if Ferrari might miss him, Sainz offered a diplomatic response, stating he hoped to have left a positive impression on a "sentimental level" with colleagues and fans, but deflected the competitive question back to the team itself.

What's next:

Buoyed by Williams's progress ahead of F1's new regulations, Sainz's ultimate goal remains unchanged: becoming Formula 1 World Champion. He expressed a patient determination, inspired by his former McLaren teammate Lando Norris's 2025 title win.

• "I don't care when, what I want is to be one," Sainz stated, emphasizing the need to be in the right car at the right time and ready to fight.
• His focus is on continuing Williams's upward trajectory and positioning himself for a future championship challenge, declaring he is "willing to wait whatever it takes."