Carlos Sainz has sparked controversy in the Formula 1 world with a bold statement about his time at Ferrari, claiming he was “sacrificed” due to the influence of Lewis Hamilton. In a candid interview following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sainz expressed frustration over decisions made during his tenure, which he believes prioritized the interests of other drivers.

Sainz, known for his composed demeanor, did not hold back in discussing the challenges he faced while competing under Ferrari’s banner. The Spanish driver hinted that political maneuvering within the team may have impacted his performance and opportunities.

“It felt like I was playing second fiddle, not just to my teammate but to external factors. Hamilton’s name seemed to cast a long shadow over our strategies,” Sainz revealed.

While he refrained from providing explicit details, Sainz’s remarks have fueled speculation about the role of external influences in shaping team dynamics at Ferrari.

The mention of Lewis Hamilton adds a surprising twist to the narrative. Although Hamilton has never driven for Ferrari, his dominance in Formula 1 and rumored negotiations with the Italian team in the past have made headlines. Sainz’s comments suggest that even the possibility of Hamilton joining Ferrari may have had unintended consequences.

“I don’t blame Hamilton directly, but his stature in the sport means teams often make decisions with him in mind. It’s unfortunate when those decisions come at someone else’s expense,” Sainz added.

Ferrari has yet to issue an official response to Sainz’s claims, but insiders suggest the team is unlikely to engage in public disputes. A spokesperson hinted that the focus remains on building a stronger team for the 2024 season, stating,

“We respect all our drivers and make decisions based on the best interests of the team. Speculation doesn’t change our commitment to excellence.”

The F1 community has been quick to react, with fans and analysts debating the validity of Sainz’s statements. Some sympathize with the Spaniard, citing Ferrari’s history of controversial team orders, while others believe his comments might be an attempt to deflect attention from his own shortcomings.

On social media, opinions are divided:

• “Sainz has a point. Ferrari has always had a clear number one driver policy, and it’s unfair to the second driver,” wrote one fan.
• “Blaming Hamilton for Ferrari’s internal problems? That’s a stretch,” countered another.

As Sainz prepares for the next chapter of his career, his candid remarks signal a driver unwilling to stay silent about perceived injustices. While the full truth behind his claims may never come to light, one thing is clear: Sainz’s passion for the sport and his determination to compete at the highest level remain undeterred.

Whether this controversy will impact his future prospects or spark changes within Ferrari remains to be seen. For now, the F1 world watches closely as one of its most talented drivers continues to navigate the highs and lows of a fiercely competitive sport.