The call with Carlos Sainz Jr. was “one of the most difficult” in Frédéric Vasseur’s life
Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari's team manager, said that his phone call with Carlos Sainz Jr. to announce his departure from Ferrari in 2025 was one of the most difficult of his life.
The announcement of the transfer of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025 has made some people happy but also unhappy. And one of the main victims of this transfer is obviously Carlos Sainz Jr., who now finds himself without a contract at the end of this season.
The Spanish driver, who was very surprised by this announcement, received a phone call from his French boss Frédéric Vasseur, who had the difficult task of delivering the bad news to him. Vasseur admitted that calling his driver, as well as Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, had been difficult.
“Like you can imagine, it wasn’t the easiest call of my life,” joked Vasseur. “One of the hardest, just like the one with Toto [Wolff]! I am fully convinced that he is a very professional driver, and that he understands that we have a long season ahead of us.”
We had a long discussion, as you can imagine, but I will fully support Carlos [Sainz Jr.], he is completely committed and we know that we have to do the job together. We are professionals.
The Hamilton opportunity couldn’t be refused.
Some mentioned an unfair situation for Sainz Jr., but Frédéric Vasseur clarified things and expressed that the decision to sign Lewis Hamilton had nothing to do with the abilities and current performances of his Spanish driver.
Unjust, I’m not sure if it’s the right word because I think for the team, Lewis Hamilton’s opportunity is something you have to consider anyway. He is the driver with the most experience, and it’s a huge opportunity for us; it has nothing to do with Carlos, said Vasseur.
Carlos did an excellent job last year, I’m sure he will do an excellent job next year. We have a very good personal relationship, but that’s how it is and we need to focus on the future.
Maintaining a good relationship between Leclerc and Sainz Jr.
Despite this announcement that comes even before the start of the 2024 season, the team manager of Ferrari is convinced that the current two drivers will continue to work well together, with Charles Leclerc and Sainz Jr. having maintained a strong relationship over the past three seasons.
« Honestly, throughout the season, we always have a good relationship between them. I don’t ask them to be best friends and go on vacation together, I ask them to work in the interest of Ferrari first, and in the right way, with the right mindset. », Vasseur continued. « Throughout the season, they have done a good job. I think it’s also thanks to this kind of relationship that we were able to come back and catch up, and I thank them for their professionalism. »
Carlos Sainz Jr., who now has many options to consider at the end of the year, will be determined to prove his talent and show the other teams on the grid his worth.
