F1 News

Sainz on political games in Formula One

Sainz on search for new employer: 'Taught me not to trust many people'

27 June at 21:17
2
  • Tygo Bekkema

As a result of Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari, Sainz suddenly had to start looking for a new home in Formula 1 for 2025 from mid-February. The Spaniard has since still not found another employer, but the two-time race winner has learned valuable lessons from all the negotiations he has been through. Sainz argues that this period has taught him how "political and tough" Formula 1 is.

"The situation that I've been in this year has made me learn a lot about Formula 1 in general. By talking to teams, it has kind of showed me how tough this sport is. And how little sometimes you have to believe what people say at the beginning of negotiations and conversations. And mainly also to trust very little people in the paddock. Because it's really a very political sport," a candid Sainz told the media day in Austria.

Valuable lessons for Sainz

Although the experienced driver balks at the many political games within the top class of motorsport, he also says he understands. "Without going into too much detail. Apart from the other teams, obviously, I've learned a lot in which position they are in. And the teams that I am potentially moving to next year. I've obviously learned lots about the state that they are in and the situations. And, yes, it's also made me probably have a better understanding of how."