In a surprising twist, Ferrari’s Vasseur declines to discuss Sainz’s future following his Australian GP victory, amidst contract uncertainties.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has stated he “will not discuss” Carlos Sainz’s future after the ousted Ferrari driver clinched the Australian Grand Prix.
Just two weeks following an appendectomy, Sainz secured victory at the Australian Grand Prix, remaining the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race since the end of the 2022 season.
Yet, as he mentioned, he is “unemployed” for the next season after Ferrari chose not to renew his contract, instead signing Lewis Hamilton as Charles Leclerc’s teammate for 2025.
After confirming in January that Leclerc would continue with the team “beyond” the 2024 season, it was believed to be only a matter of time before Ferrari announced a new deal for Sainz.
Instead, Ferrari shocked by revealing they had signed Hamilton after the British driver activated a clause in his Mercedes contract.
Carlos Sainz appears to be progressively gaining strength, having won two Grand Prix for Ferrari during this period of Red Bull dominance. Thus, the Spanish media asked Vasseur if Ferrari had made the right choice by hiring Lewis Hamilton or continuing with Charles Leclerc.
A question that evidently irritated the Frenchman on DAZN.
“I am not going to talk about next year,” Vasseur said, without truly addressing the question.
“We reached an agreement with Carlos a few weeks ago to focus solely on this championship and not discuss the future.”
“There are still twenty races left, which means twenty chances to win. We need to focus on that.”
According to former F1 driver Hans-Joachim Stuck, this is astonishing.
“I still wonder why Ferrari is firing a driver like him. Frédéric Vasseur should be furious about making this decision. I will never understand the switch from Sainz to Hamilton.”
“Sainz should move to Red Bull. It would force Max to speed up even more, which he can definitely do. I am sure Max would sleep less soundly knowing Sainz will be his new teammate.”
However, Fernando Alonso’s name is now most strongly associated with Red Bull for 2025, as Daniel Ricciardo struggles and Yuki Tsunoda is not considered one of the top candidates. Alonso is also linked to Mercedes for 2025, in case Verstappen remains with his current team.
For Sainz’s father, Carlos Sainz Senior, his son’s win in Melbourne “comes at the right time.”
“At this moment, decisions are being made about where to race next year, with whom, and I hope he will have the opportunity to drive for a team that will allow him to compete for victories.”
Vasseur Silent on Sainz’s Future After GP Win. Vasseur Silent on Sainz’s Future After GP Win
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