Carlos Sainz Comments on Lewis Hamilton’s Transition to Ferrari
In an insightful reflection on the challenges faced by drivers transitioning to new Formula 1 teams, Carlos Sainz, who currently drives for Williams, expressed that he is "not surprised" by the difficulties his predecessor, Lewis Hamilton, has encountered in adapting to his new role at Ferrari. The seven-time world champion took over Sainz’s position as Charles Leclerc’s teammate for the 2025 season. However, Hamilton’s performance has so far been inconsistent; he has only managed to outpace Leclerc during the Shanghai sprint, despite five race weekends where he has faced his new teammate.
Sainz himself experienced a similar struggle when he transitioned to Williams and had to compete against Alex Albon. It wasn’t until the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix that Sainz first surpassed Albon in race performance. Given these experiences, Sainz has a pragmatic view of Hamilton’s situation, acknowledging that both drivers need time to adjust to their new teams and the unique dynamics involved.
“I’m not surprised at all,” Sainz commented ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. “I expected it for myself, and I expected it with him. When you are up against teammates like Alex and Charles, they have a deep understanding of their team and are already pushing their car to the maximum potential.” He emphasized that it’s not simply a matter of overtaking their competitors; both Hamilton and he are working under the constraints of a well-established setup that their teammates have mastered.
Transitioning to a new team in Formula 1 is no small feat. Sainz highlighted that both he and Hamilton are expected to perform at a high level right from the start, which can be daunting. “You can only do just a little bit better or the same as them,” he noted. “You cannot suddenly arrive and be two or three tenths quicker because that’s simply not feasible. They are already operating at the limit of what the car can achieve.”
One of the key challenges Sainz identified in adapting to a new team is the need to relearn various aspects of driving. He mentioned that there are “15 things that you have to relearn” when adjusting to a different car and team environment. “You cannot imagine the amount of variability just to get the car to achieve similar lap times in completely different ways,” he explained.
Sainz elaborated on the technical adjustments he has been making, such as experimenting with different levels of engine braking and differential maps. “I’m trying high engine braking in Williams to see if it works, I’m trying low, I’m trying differential maps,” he shared. “Every weekend, I’m testing everything to discover what the car responds to and what it doesn’t.” This exploratory approach is part of the learning curve that comes with transitioning to a new vehicle.
In this process, Sainz enjoys the challenge. “There are aspects of the car that suit your driving style, and others that don’t,” he explained. “It’s that ongoing struggle and the learning process that I find rewarding. You’re going to make mistakes, but as long as you embrace this journey, you know that when you finally achieve that breakthrough—when the car feels just right—it’s a thrilling moment.”
Despite his efforts, Sainz admits he hasn’t yet experienced that “eureka moment” that signifies full adaptation to the Williams car. He cautioned that such a breakthrough might not come easily for either him or Hamilton in the immediate future. In fact, Sainz suggested that the complete acclimatization to a new team, car, and processes could take more than six months to a year.
“I’ve always said that to truly understand a car, you need at least half a year to a year to fully experience everything it has to offer,” he stated. “That doesn’t mean you can’t perform well during that time. You can still race at 99% of your potential, and that might still be competitive. However, achieving that full 100% understanding of the car definitely requires time to learn and adapt.”
The transition period for drivers like Sainz and Hamilton is a crucial time for both personal growth and team dynamics. Both drivers are under immense pressure to deliver results while simultaneously grappling with the complexities of their new machinery. The high stakes of Formula 1 racing make these adjustments all the more critical.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how both drivers adapt and refine their strategies. While Sainz has already begun to navigate his own learning curve, Hamilton’s journey at Ferrari will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. The expectations surrounding Hamilton, given his illustrious career, add another layer of intensity to this transition.
In summary, Carlos Sainz’s reflections on his own experiences and those of Lewis Hamilton serve as a reminder of the intricacies involved in Formula 1 racing. The technical challenges and the psychological pressures faced by drivers transitioning to new teams can be profound. Understanding this context helps fans appreciate the high level of skill and adaptability required to excel in the sport. As both drivers continue to find their footing in their respective teams, the competitive landscape of Formula 1 will continue to evolve, driven by their efforts and the inherent challenges of the sport.
