Carlos Sainz has commented on Lewis Hamilton’s arrival (Image: Getty)
Carlos Sainz holds no ill will towards for supplanting him at and has admirably praised the seven-time world champion. The British driver’s shock switch to was announced in February and surprised the racing world.
Now, as Hamilton prepares to take to the wheel of a for what will likely be the last time in Abu Dhabi, many may feel as though the man he is replacing at the Scuderia, Sainz, would be feeling hard done by.
However, it is quite the opposite, as the Spaniard, who will remain on the grid with Williams from the 2025 Formula One season, has been complimentary of Hamilton and respectfully refused to offer him any advice.
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“No, honestly, I don’t think a seven-time world champion that has changed teams multiple times or a few times in the past needs my advice,” Sainz commendably admitted when asked about what advice he would give the incoming Hamilton.
“The only thing I can obviously recommend him or tell him is to enjoy it. It’s an incredible place to be part of and an incredible place to drive and feel like a Formula 1 driver.
“I believe he will get an incredible treatment by the tifosi and by all the supporters, engineers, mechanics, everyone involved in and enjoy it because there’s nothing better than being a Formula 1 driver. And yeah, I’m sure he’s going to enjoy that.”
Hamilton reflected on what his final year and last race in Abu Dhabi with would be like and the anticipation building inside him regarding taking over Sainz’s seat.
Hamilton will leave Mercedes after Abu Dhabi (Image: Getty)
“It’s been a very emotional year for me, and I don’t think I’ve been the best at handling my emotions this year,” Hamilton began on Thursday.
“You’ve seen the best of me and the worst of me, but I’m not going to apologise as I’m human,” he continued, going on to recall his struggles at parting with his long-time employers.
“Ultimately, I anticipated it would be difficult but massively underestimated how difficult it would be,” he revealed. “Realising these are the last moments with the team, it’s hard to describe the feeling – not the greatest of course.
“It’s a dream scenario for any driver [joining ],” Hamilton concluded. “But it’s not an easy step to join a new team. It takes time to build relationships and learn the tools.”