It’s 2024, you’re watching Formula 1 on a regular weekend, enjoying Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in red for Ferrari, then you open your Instagram, and there’s only one news all over the internet. Carlos Sainz is being replaced with the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, and suddenly, nothing makes sense anymore. Well, if that story reminded you of a wound that never healed, we might have something for you.
As we all know, the GOAT Lewis Hamilton is enduring a nightmare with Ferrari this season, with zero victories or podium finishes. It reached a point where Hamilton himself called him “useless” and suggested that Ferrari replace him. While we all ignored that statement as a mere frustration outburst, what if there is something deeper to it than what meets the eye? What if there have already been talks or ultimatums at Ferrari about it? Let’s see what F1 pundit Johnny Herbert thinks about it.
Is Lewis Hamilton Getting Replaced?
Lewis Hamilton made headlines when he signed with Ferrari starting in 2025. The seven-time world champion left Mercedes after a long and successful run to join Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc, hoping to chase an eighth world title. But Hamilton has struggled to match his teammate Charles Leclerc’s pace and performance.
On the other hand, Carlos Sainz, who drove for Ferrari before Hamilton arrived, moved to Williams for 2025. Sainz was a solid performer at Ferrari; in fact, he remains the last Ferrari driver to win a race as of the Hungarian Grand Prix 2025. So, what if he’s coming back to Ferrari, replacing the legend? What once seemed to be a mere dream come true might now be possible, and interestingly, Sainz has said he wouldn’t rule out a return to Ferrari in the future, saying, “Yeah, why not?”.
Former F1 driver and pundit Johnny Herbert suggested this could happen if Hamilton’s form doesn’t improve. Herbert noted that talks might already be happening behind the scenes about lining up the next driver. He specifically named Carlos Sainz as a strong candidate to return to Ferrari, calling him “still young” and recalling how well he performed when he raced alongside Charles Leclerc.
He said, “One way of reading it is that there has been talk already about changing the driver. “Is that something that’s already been spoken about? Maybe it’s been mentioned if things don’t get better, you need to get yourself in a position where you’ve got the next driver ready for next year. Maybe they [Hamilton and Ferrari] are both saying that if it doesn’t work, the time is here, the time has come [to part ways]. But I saw a little interview with Carlos Sainz and when asked if he would go back to Ferrari, he replied: ‘Yeah, maybe!’”
He also noted that Carlos Sainz was doing good under Ferrari back in 2024. “Carlos was doing an absolutely brilliant job and was really keeping Charles under control. He’s still young. He’s still doing a good job, even if he’s struggling with Williams a bit. But we know how good he was when he was at Ferrari,” he added
Is It Really Possible?
While Fred Vasseur has publicly backed Hamilton and dismissed rumors about replacing him, this might still be a possibility. Lewis Hamilton signed a two-year contract covering 2025 and 2026, but if his performance does not improve, or if both sides feel it’s time to part ways, a driver change could be possible.
This is where Carlos Sainz’s name gains importance. His current contract with Williams reportedly includes an “escape clause,” allowing him to move to a front-running team if the chance arises. This means if Ferrari wants to bring him back, it could happen without many obstacles.
So, the Formula 1 world will be watching Ferrari closely as the 2025 season continues, looking for signs of what Hamilton’s future, and whether a familiar face might make a surprise comeback.
Also read: Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton Told To Retire Amid Disastrous Season
