Why Carlos Sainz thinks he’s ‘stronger’ than Lewis Hamilton despite losing Ferrari seat

Carlos Sainz has officially completed his final race weekend as a Ferrari driver. He signed off with a fine second-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Sainz found out even before pre-season testing that Lewis Hamilton would be taking his seat. But he performed well enough that many questioned whether Ferrari had made the right decision.

He finished fifth in the championship on 290 points, just two behind the McLaren of Oscar Piastri. There were two race wins (Australia and Mexico) and nine podiums – equalling a career-best.

Still, Red Bull overlooked Sainz as they assessed possible replacements for Sergio Perez. Mercedes also turned down a de facto ‘swap’ with Ferrari, prioritising academy driver Kimi Antonelli.

The result is that the Spaniard will join Williams, who finished second from bottom in the championship with just 14 points. He completed his first laps for the Grove outfit on Monday.

Sainz was a few seconds off his Ferrari pace in the early hours of Tuesday’s post-season test. While the difference won’t be that large in 2025, it may serve as a reality check of sorts.

Carlos Sainz believes he’s better than Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc

Speaking to DAZN after the Abu Dhabi GP, Sainz insisted that he ‘belongs’ at the front of the grid. Williams don’t expect to win until at least 2027, but their marquee signing will hope to restore them to their former glory.

If he’s concerned by the project’s direction, Sainz can leave at the end of 2026 under a clause in his contract. Perhaps a top team will be willing to take him at that stage.

Sainz may hope to return to Ferrari one day, having left on ostensibly good terms. Minus Max Verstappen, Red Bull may be a more realistic option too.

Having battled them on ‘equal terms’, Sainz insists he’s ‘stronger’ than Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. McLaren outscored Ferrari by just 14 points this year, though Mercedes were nearly 200 points back.

“On the other hand, I know how good Lando, Charles and Lewis are,” Sainz said. “I’ve been fighting with them on equal terms, and I’ve become stronger than them.

“I take with me the fact that I belong in that top zone. Those battles for that top three, for those victories. These are things that I take with me to Williams.”

Charles Leclerc’s unbroadcast tribute to Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Leclerc and Sainz have largely maintained a healthy relationship during their stint at Maranello. There have been moments of tension, but that’s inevitable when two elite drivers go head-to-head.

For instance, Leclerc was furious with Sainz at the Las Vegas GP, when he felt the 30-year-old ignored team orders. Sainz overtook his teammate after their pit stops despite an instruction not to put him under pressure.

But there was renewed warmth between them following the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi. In an unbroadcast radio message, Leclerc said it was a ‘pleasure’ to work with Sainz.

It’s unlikely that the two will be involved in many meaningful on-track battles in the coming years. Martin Brundle says it’s a ‘travesty’ Mercedes didn’t sign Sainz to keep him in contending machinery.