Is Hamilton ‘Better’ Than Sainz for Ferrari? Jean Todt Weighs In
The Formula 1 world is abuzz with Ferrari’s latest shake-up—Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello. But as the dust settles, an important question emerges: Is Hamilton truly a “better” choice than Carlos Sainz? Former Ferrari boss Jean Todt has weighed in, casting doubt on whether the swap will bring an improvement in performance.
The End of the Sainz Era at Ferrari
Carlos Sainz bid farewell to Ferrari after four years and four race victories. Despite proving his worth, the Spaniard was dropped to make room for the seven-time World Champion. The decision marked the end of a competitive and stable Ferrari driver duo, as Charles Leclerc now prepares to partner with Hamilton.
Sainz’s departure wasn’t by choice. While he spent the early season showcasing his abilities both on and off the track, even overcoming an appendectomy that forced him out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, his future at Ferrari remained uncertain. Ultimately, his move to Williams for the 2025 season was confirmed, closing the chapter on his Ferrari tenure.
Ferrari’s 2024 Performance: A Step Forward, but Not Enough
Ferrari’s SF-24 made notable improvements, securing five Grand Prix victories. However, the season was once again dominated by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who clinched all nine of his team’s race wins. Despite strong performances, Ferrari fell 14 points short of McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, leaving the team hungry for more success.
Jean Todt’s Verdict: Driver Line-Up Wasn’t the Problem
Former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt believes Ferrari’s struggles have not been due to its drivers. In an interview with La Repubblica, he stated:
“What is Ferrari missing to win? Little, very little. Even in the past, they came very close. Even the line-up with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz was a good pairing; they certainly didn’t lose because of the drivers.”
This raises the critical question: Will Hamilton’s arrival truly elevate Ferrari’s performance, or is the team’s success more dependent on car development?
Hamilton vs. Sainz: A Top-Level Comparison
Hamilton brings unparalleled experience and a championship-winning pedigree to Ferrari. However, Todt remains uncertain if he is a significant upgrade over Sainz:
“Obviously, even with Hamilton the line-up remains top-level. Will it be better than the previous one? I have no idea, we’ll have to see the level of the car.”
Hamilton’s Ferrari debut has dominated headlines, with every moment—from his visit to Enzo Ferrari’s house to his first laps in red—meticulously documented. However, the bigger question remains: How will his presence impact Leclerc, who has long been Ferrari’s golden boy?
How Will Hamilton’s Arrival Affect Leclerc?
Leclerc has been Ferrari’s leading driver in recent years, but Hamilton’s presence could challenge that status. Todt, however, believes this competition could serve as motivation rather than a threat:
“I don’t think it will be affected by Lewis Hamilton. For Charles, it could be an opportunity to be even more motivated, much like what happened with George Russell at Mercedes.”
Conclusion: Will Hamilton Make the Difference?
With Ferrari banking on Hamilton’s expertise, the team hopes to bridge the gap to Red Bull. However, as Todt highlights, Ferrari’s real challenge lies in improving its car rather than its driver line-up. Whether Hamilton proves to be a better fit than Sainz remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the 2025 season will be a defining chapter in Ferrari’s quest for championship glory.
