Former Formula-1 driver Christian Danner has expressed criticism towards the decision made by Ferrari's management to invite British driver Lewis Hamilton to replace Spanish racer Carlos Sainz.
Danner said, as quoted by Total Motorsport:
If you want Hamilton, you’ve kept the wrong one because he [Sainz] is faster. But that’s highly political. He [Frederic Vasseur] should have waited a little longer. It wasn’t a necessity.
Danner noted that Sainz is currently in excellent shape and confidently controlling his teammate, Charles Leclerc. According to Danner, Ferrari's team principal Frederic Vasseur should not have rushed to invite Hamilton.
Danner added that he appreciates the passion of Carlos Sainz. In his opinion, the Spaniard's performance sends a message to the team that they signed the wrong driver.
In 2025, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari. It is worth noting that the Spaniard won the Australian Grand Prix in 2024.