Former Formula 1 driver Marc Surer thinks Ferrari made a mistake by choosing Lewis Hamilton over Carlos Sainz.
He believes Sainz is a safer bet than Charles Leclerc, even though Leclerc is generally faster.
Did Ferrari Make a Mistake by Replacing Sainz?
Sainz will join Alexander Albon at Williams in the 2025 season, while Hamilton takes his spot at Ferrari. There was never any debate about which Ferrari driver should leave for Hamilton. Leclerc has been crucial to the team for years and will likely remain so.
Surer questions Ferrari’s decision to drop Sainz. “Sainz would have been the safer choice. Leclerc is faster, but Sainz is luckier,” he told Formel1.de. He means that while Leclerc is quicker, he often faces problems, and that’s when Sainz steps up.
Surer: ‘Sainz is More Mentally Stable Than Leclerc’
For example, look at their worst finishes: Leclerc has placed 11th and 14th, while Sainz’s worst is sixth. Plus, Sainz wins races he “shouldn’t win,” like the Australian Grand Prix when Verstappen crashed or the Singapore Grand Prix in 2023.
“Even now, he sometimes ends up on the podium out of nowhere. That’s what Sainz does; he gets it done,” said Surer. He also sees Sainz as more mentally stable under pressure compared to Leclerc, who makes mistakes sometimes.
Fans might wonder if this was the right move for Ferrari.
Still, Surer admits that Ferrari had to pick the fastest driver if they want to be world champions. “And Leclerc is the fastest,” he concludes.
What do you think? Did Ferrari make the right choice?
