Sainz stays silent on Binotto's controversial Hamilton comment

Carlos Sainz is keeping his thoughts to himself following remarks from a well-known figure in Formula 1 who said he would not have swapped the Spaniard for Lewis Hamilton.

"No," said former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto when asked if he would have replaced Sainz for the 2025 season and teamed Charles Leclerc with seven-time world champion Hamilton.

"If Leclerc is the talent, then in my opinion he should be the driver that is supported to achieve the goal and take the credit," Binotto, now heading Audi's F1 operations, added.

Hamilton's move to Ferrari meant that Sainz, currently in top form at 30, was left to consider several options from non-top teams for his next career move. He ultimately declined Audi's offer and opted to sign with Williams instead.

Nico Hulkenberg, who has chosen to join Audi-Sauber for the next season, said he can understand Sainz's decision.

"Obviously Carlos hesitated for a long time, but I think there were other strategic reasons that were big factors in his decision," the German driver said.

Sainz acknowledged to Marca sports newspaper this week that his thoughts are already turning towards his upcoming switch from Ferrari to Williams. "It's a project I am more and more motivated by," he said.

"If I had to choose between winning another race at Ferrari this year or winning a race at Williams next year, at the moment I would say Ferrari.

"But if I was to win with Williams, I would be the happiest person in the world," Sainz continued, "because it would mean I made the right choice, transformed the project into something successful, and reached the peak of my career.

"I am very excited for my next adventure," he added. "I feel that my body is asking me for a change.

"But I'll always be a Ferrari driver for life, and who knows, maybe our paths will cross again."

However, when asked to comment on Binotto's bold claim that he would have stuck with Sainz instead of bringing in Hamilton, Sainz chose not to engage.

"Binotto said he wouldn't sign Lewis? I don't interfere in that," Sainz replied.

"I'll keep my opinion to myself and tell you over dinner one day. Lewis and Charles are two great drivers, and I'm sure they will do well."

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