Spanish and Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz, has openly expressed his preference to join forces with Lewis Hamilton rather than become teammates with Max Verstappen.
Despite Mercedes falling short in the battle against Red Bull for the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, Hamilton is anticipated to secure a contract extension, extending his tenure with the team to over a decade.
Although rumours of a surprising switch to Ferrari surfaced earlier this season, the 38-year-old remains strongly associated with the Silver Arrows.
Contrary to earlier reports of Ferrari’s £50m-a-year contract offer, speculation about Sainz and Leclerc’s future continues to unsettle them.
While rumours circulated, it appears increasingly likely that Hamilton will extend his successful stint with Mercedes, having secured six world titles since his daring move from McLaren in 2013.
This shared heritage of leaving McLaren connects Sainz and Hamilton, with the former joining Ferrari in 2021.
Interestingly, despite their eight years together on the grid, Sainz and Hamilton have never been teammates.
When asked about reuniting with Verstappen or partnering with the 103-time race winner Hamilton, Sainz shared his rationale for favouring the British driver.
“I’ve already been Max’s team-mate, so I know I would get on well with him and we would have a good [relationship],” he said.
“I’ve never been team-mates with Lewis, but I guess being a team-mate of a seven-time world champion has to be good for your career and you’re probably going to learn.
“So maybe, just to try something different, I would like Lewis. But honestly, I don’t care. Whoever I have as a team-mate, I’ll embrace it.”
A move to Mercedes or Red Bull in the future for the Spaniard is highly improbable, making this question speculative.
However, it underscores the enduring impact of Hamilton in the world of F1. His colleagues hold immense respect for him, evident even in light of Verstappen’s recent dominance.
