Sainz's Shifting Perspective: From Hamilton Admirer to Fierce Competitor
Carlos Sainz, the Formula 1 driver for Williams, recently shared his evolved perception of fellow racer Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion. Sainz, who once looked up to Hamilton as a childhood hero, now considers him solely a rival on the race circuit. This change in outlook underscores the intense competitive environment of Formula 1 and Sainz's personal growth within the sport. The Spaniard’s reflections arrive after a pivotal period marked by his move to Williams and a notable podium finish.
Sainz Discusses His Evolving View of Lewis Hamilton Amidst Team Changes and Recent Success
In a candid interview on BBC Radio 1, Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz, 28, discussed his changed relationship with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, 39. Sainz, who joined Williams for the 2025 season after a four-year tenure with Ferrari, openly admitted that while Hamilton was once a significant inspiration, he now sees him primarily as a competitor. This shift in perspective is a natural progression for a driver competing at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Sainz recounted that he began closely following Formula 1 at the age of 12, precisely when Hamilton made his debut in 2007 and subsequently clinched his first world championship in 2008. At that time, Hamilton, alongside two-time champion Fernando Alonso, represented the pinnacle of the sport, inspiring a young Sainz to pursue his own racing dreams. “When I was 10 years old is when he arrived in Formula 1 and he became world champion in 2008,” Sainz explained. “I was 12 years old, and that’s when I started watching Formula 1, when he was racing Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and everyone. He used to be one of my idols and one of the people that I looked up to, but now he’s one of my competitors, 10, 15 years later.”
The competitive dynamic between the two drivers intensified with Hamilton's impending move to Ferrari for the 2025 season, a move that effectively displaced Sainz. Despite the circumstances, Sainz has found new momentum with Williams, achieving his first podium finish for the Grove-based team at the recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a significant accomplishment given Williams's challenging start to the season. In contrast, Hamilton, still with Mercedes for the current season, has faced his own difficulties adjusting to Ferrari, managing a victory in the Chinese sprint race but yet to secure a grand prix podium.
When questioned about reaching the podium before Hamilton at Ferrari, Sainz maintained a focus on his own achievements and team success. “What everyone else does is not my business, to be honest,” Sainz stated after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “What I care about is that the first opportunity that I had to score a podium with Williams, and the first opportunity Williams had to score a podium, we took it, we scored it, and there it is.”
Sainz reflected on his journey, acknowledging the resilience required in Formula 1. “I think out of everyone that's changed teams — which is not an easy task nowadays — I've been very competitive from the first race, very quick, but I didn't have results with me,” he said. “I didn't have results to prove to myself, the team, and everyone that some good things were about to come. But, in the end, they did. I think life has taught me many times that this sometimes happens — that you have a run of misfortune or bad performances, but then suddenly life gives you back if you keep working hard with something really sweet like this.” This statement highlights Sainz's determination and the rewarding nature of perseverance in a demanding sport.
The journey of Carlos Sainz, from admiring Lewis Hamilton to competing directly against him, provides a compelling narrative on personal and professional evolution in sports. It illustrates how ambition can transform idolization into a fierce yet respectful rivalry. This change also reflects the relentless pursuit of excellence and the capacity to adapt and thrive amidst significant career transitions. Sainz's experience reminds us that success often comes to those who, despite setbacks, continue to work diligently and seize opportunities, finding sweet vindication in their efforts.