Sainz Is 'Big Loser' In Current Situation According To Villeneuve

Former F1 Driver Jacques Villeneuve suggested that Carlos Sainz is "the biggest loser" in this situation now that everyone knows he will be replaced at Ferrari.

Towards the end of the most recent season, it seemed like Ferrari's apparent goal was to extend contracts with both of their drivers.

Even Sainz himself stated multiple times he would like to be done with negotiations ahead of the first race of the season and that he believed he could reach common ground with the Italian team.

However, the announcement of Lewis Hamilton's arrival to Ferrari at the start of the season 2025 obviously means that Sainz will no longer be part of the team.

Moreover, the Spanish driver has no other contract on the table at the moment. So, in the end, he will go into the season without the feeling of security, not knowing where his future lies. According to Planet F1, Jcques Villeneuve said:

If other teams thought Sainz's contract with Scuderia was on the table, they would offer maybe him a more extended contract with a higher salary and better conditions. But now that they know Sainz is not an option for the Italian team, his bargaining power is lower.

Ferrari prioritized Leclerc over Sainz with the contract beyond the season 2024. So, the ultimate way to prove his worth to his team and everyone else would be to beat his Monegasque teammate.

Villeneuve also mentioned that the Spaniard would no longer be interested in playing team games at Ferrari and that such an element could make the season even more interesting.

On the other hand, Sainz commented on this matter, saying he has always been a "good team player" and that he does not plan to change that this year.