Source: F1
Tuesday 6 February 2024 19:42:09
Carlos Sainz has insisted that he feels “calm” after being dropped at Ferrari in favour of Lewis Hamilton.
Ferrari announced last week that Hamilton will join the squad in 2025 in place of the Spaniard, who linked up with the Italian squad four years ago.
Sainz's F1 contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024 campaign and previously spoke of wanting to have his future confirmed before the start of the season.
However, as it stands, the two-time race winner is without a drive beyond the end of the year.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sainz asserted that he is focused on delivering to his full potential during his last season with Ferrari.
“I’m fine, I’m calm, we’re working for the future but above all, for what that we have ahead of us,” Sainz said.
“[It's] a very important year, my last year with the team and I want to do the best I can. I’m training to prepare as best I can and give everything.”
Just weeks before Hamilton's announcement, Ferrari confirmed that it had penned a long-term agreement with Charles Leclerc.
Despite being dropped from the team's future plans, Sainz stated that he is not upset over the situation.
“No, it didn't disappoint me,” he said. “Experiencing Ferrari from the inside, I already knew several things and I prepared myself with the team in view of future changes.
“As I said, however, I don't want to think about anything other than how to give my all this season for Ferrari.
“Knowing that it will be the last year with a team is not the most normal thing to start a new season but as soon as I put on my helmet in Bahrain and get on the track, you can be sure that I will only think about going as fast as possible.
“And if there is the chance to become World Champion I will try to take it.”