Despite driver change

Bad blood between Sainz and Hamilton? Not at all!

Carlos Sainz (l.) has to give up his cockpit to Lewis Hamilton (r.).(Bild: APA/AFP/ANDREJ ISAKOVIC)

Carlos Sainz is starting his last Formula 1 season with Ferrari before Lewis Hamilton takes over his cockpit at the start of the 2025 season. However, there is no bad blood between the two drivers, who joked amicably at a joint press conference during the Bahrain GP.

The hoped-for contract extension did not materialize for Sainz, instead the Scuderia decided to rely on the seven-time world champion in the future. And now, of all people, the Madrilenian had to take a seat next to him during a Q&A session ahead of the upcoming race opener.

Sainz entered the room slightly late and the cameras were eager to capture the 29-year-old's reaction as soon as he met Hamilton. 

Good relationship
However, there was no sign of any nasty looks; Sainz took Hamilton's unmistakable glance at the clock in stride, gave his seatmate a smile and then greeted the rest of the drivers with a handshake. The two also joked with each other during the Q&A session, remaining relaxed at all times. It remains to be seen whether Sainz and Hamilton will treat each other with the same respect on the tarmac. After all, the Brit will want to prove why he has earned the Ferrari cockpit, while the Spaniard will probably want to convince his team otherwise ...