Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve believes Carlos Sainz's value has "gone down" recently.
Carlos Sainz entered the 2024 season with no contract for season 2025 in his hand. The Spaniard learned only a few weeks before the start of the season that he would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
He admitted he didn't expect this change as he was ready to sign a contract with the Italian team. He didn't have time to talk to other teams properly, which is why Jacques Villeneuve believes his value has decreased. He told GP Blog:
"Sainz. What game will he play? His career is on the line right now. This [Hamilton signing] was announced before he had time to talk with other teams properly, so his value's gone down."
On the other hand, the 29-year-old is one of the strongest drivers on the grid. He proved it during the three seasons he spent alongside Charles Leclerc in Ferrari.
While not all drivers that we see in F1 in 2024 will probably remain on the grid in 2025, there is no doubt that Sainz will. The former F1 driver continued:
"His potential for getting into a good team in a strong position is also in jeopardy now, so that will be crazy to see."
During the first race of the season at Bahrain International Circuit, Sainz took the podium, which was a great start to the season for the Spaniard.
While the 29-year-old needs to show what he's got so that other teams are interested in him, Leclerc has to establish that he is the leader before the seven-time World Champion arrives, according to Villeneuve. The World Champion looks forward to watching this dynamic between the two teammates.
"And Leclerc needs to show Ferrari that he's the one, not Lewis. This will all happen during this season, so that will be very exciting to see."
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