Sainz Critiques Politics in F1 Following Ferrari Exit
Carlos Sainz, the Williams driver and former Ferrari pilot, has voiced his discontent with the political nature of Formula 1, highlighting it as the aspect he finds most troubling within the championship. Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Sainz reflected on the complexities of driver placements and team dynamics that often overshadow pure performance.
After being unexpectedly replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari for the 2025 season, Sainz navigated negotiations before joining Williams. His experience has left him disillusioned by the intricate politics prevalent in F1, stating, "I don’t think there’s any other sport that is as political as F1."
Sainz elaborated, indicating that decisions surrounding driver selections often extend beyond their on-track capabilities. "Performance brings you 80% of the cake. But there’s another 20%… that makes one a bit more attractive than the other," he remarked.
Despite his frustrations, Sainz remains committed to the sport. "It’s the sport that I love… Just get on with it," he asserted, emphasizing his determination to focus on the future and his ambitions within the sport.
As the 30-year-old gears up for the season with Williams, his insights underscore the ongoing challenges drivers face amidst the backdrop of competitive politics within Formula 1.
