Carlos Sainz Sr has claimed Lewis Hamilton was the one who initiated first contact with Ferrari ahead of his blockbuster F1 switch. Last February Hamilton shocked the F1 world by announcing he would be leaving Mercedes after 12 years to complete a move to rivals Ferrari in 2025.

Carlos Sainz Sr has praised the way his son and Ferrari parted ways after four years together as Lewis Hamilton arrived at Maranello. With Carlos Sainz angling for a contract extension at Ferrari, his time in red came to an end as a result of the Scuderia jumping at the chance to sign Lewis Hamilton.

Ferrari have confirmed that their 2025 F1 car will be called the SF-25, in line with their last two Scuderia challengers. Lewis Hamilton will debut in scarlet red this year and is set to drive the SF-25 for the first time at the official three-day pre-season test in Bahrain from 26-28 February.