Ferrari's Vasseur leaves door open for Sainz comeback

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has left the door open for Carlos Sainz to potentially return to the Scuderia in the future, despite the team's decision to sign Lewis Hamilton for 2025.

The unexpected move to drop Sainz in favor of the seven-time world champion has not dampened Vasseur's admiration for the Spanish driver's contributions to the team.

Unexpected Turn of Events

The announcement of Hamilton's multi-year contract with Ferrari came as a shock to many, including Sainz himself.

The Spaniard revealed to Sky F1 that he was blindsided by the decision, stating,

"I was in the middle of negotiations with Ferrari, everything seemed to be going in the right direction and suddenly this news arrived to me."

"It was completely unexpected and a huge turnaround in the way that suddenly my career was going to plan out."

Sainz's Resilience Shines Through

Despite the abrupt change in his career trajectory, Sainz has demonstrated remarkable professionalism and performance in what will be his final season with Ferrari.

With eight races still to go, he has already secured five podium finishes, including a victory at the Australian Grand Prix.

Vasseur's High Praise

Impressed by Sainz's resilience and contributions, Vasseur expressed his admiration for the driver.

"Honestly, I have a huge respect for Carlos and what he did for Ferrari,"

Vasseur told the media, including PlanetF1.com.

"As you know, this call was not an easy one. He's doing a very good job. He was able to stay professional in these tough conditions."

The Ferrari team principal further emphasized Sainz's role in the team's recovery during challenging periods, stating,

"I can see perfectly what he's bringing to the team, what he brought to the team last year and he was part of the recovery last year when we had a tough momentum in the summer."

A Potential Future Return?

When asked if he would welcome Sainz back to Ferrari in the future, Vasseur's response was unequivocal:

"Yeah, for sure."

This statement suggests that despite the current parting of ways, Ferrari recognizes Sainz's value and potential for future collaborations.

Sainz's Remarkable Comeback

Vasseur also highlighted Sainz's extraordinary comeback at the Australian Grand Prix, where the driver secured victory just 16 days after undergoing an appendectomy.

"The recovery is mega. You have to keep in mind that two weeks ago he was in the hospital,"

Vasseur remarked, praising Sainz's determination and quick return to form.

Looking Ahead

As Sainz prepares for his move to Williams in 2025, his continued strong performances for Ferrari demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the team.

This professional approach, combined with Vasseur's open stance on a potential return, keeps the possibility of a future Ferrari comeback alive for the talented Spanish driver.

With both parties maintaining a positive relationship and mutual respect, the motorsport world will be watching closely to see how Sainz's career unfolds and whether a return to the Prancing Horse might materialize in the years to come.