Carlos Sainz's father has denied that Ferrari treated the Spanish driver unfairly.
Despite his good performances as Charles Leclerc's teammate in recent seasons, the Maranello-based team has decided to replace him for 2025 and beyond with Lewis Hamilton.
But rallying legend Sainz senior has had to respond to a rising tide of protest in Spain and the perception that Ferrari has behaved badly towards his son.
“I wouldn't describe it as poor conduct by the Scuderia,” said Sainz Sr when asked if Spanish fans are right to be outraged after seeing Lewis Hamilton's first steps at Ferrari.
“It’s that the perfect storm circumstances have occurred.”
“Ferrari was happy with Carlos, but the possibility of having Lewis arose because Hamilton himself produced it. He was the one who approached Ferrari.”
“Maybe the process could have been clearer, but then it would have leaked and Ferrari didn't want that.”
Sainz Sr said a sure sign his son was fully respected by Ferrari was the gift of his 2022 F1 victory.
“They gave him a modern F1, they invited me to drive to Fiorano with him with an F1.”
“It’s evidence of appreciation and good feelings for all of these things to happen.”
The father of Williams' new driver for 2025, however, acknowledged that some in the paddock and the world at large tend to underestimate Sainz's true talent.
-“Because of his personality, and because he arrived after Fernando (Alonso) and so on, I think he was not given the value and quality that he has.”
“He also had a strained relationship with Max Verstappen and that left him a bit in the shadows. Then he ended up driving for Ferrari, which is not easy. I think the best version of Carlos remains future.”
“He is a driver who is making great strides and it seems that every year he releases his best version. There are drivers who arrive very quickly, who give everything and then stagnate, but Carlos continues to improve each time. year.”
Another blow for Sainz was the fact that despite losing his seat at Ferrari, the other top teams – notably Mercedes and Red Bull – chose not to sign him.
“He found it difficult to get over the shock of having to leave Ferrari. He then found it difficult to digest the fact that, due to the circumstances, Mercedes and Red Bull were not opening the door for him.”
“Once all that passed and he decided to go to Williams, he was very excited and he can’t wait for the season to start.”
He admits, however, that Williams is not yet quite ready to excel in F1.
“It's been a difficult year for them. I believe Williams finished 16th and 18th in the last race and second to last in the constructors' standings. But Carlos is still very enthusiastic and can't wait to start the work on track.”
