Race-winning Formula 1 driver says the door is still ‘open’ for him to join Ferrari

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Ferrari haven’t been involved in the Formula 1 driver market this year. But with Lewis Hamilton out of contract at the end of 2026, they will soon have to assess their options.

While his deal contains an exit clause, Charles Leclerc is still under contract long-term. On the other side of the garage, Hamilton has a contract option for 2027 but is unlikely to trigger it unless he feels the team are fully committed to him.

If Hamilton can’t improve on his performances this year – he’s failed to score a podium and only beaten Leclerc in six competitive sessions – then it’s difficult to envisage the relationship continuing. This is, of course, one of the most coveted seats on the grid.

Academy driver Oliver Bearman is targeting a 2027 Ferrari seat, but there will be external contenders too. And one race-winning driver is refusing to rule out a switch to the Italian giants.

Carlos Sainz believes he could return to Ferrari one day

Speaking to DAZN, former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz indicated that the doors to Maranello are still ‘open’. The team let him go at the end of last season to sign Hamilton.

Part of Sainz wanted to ‘tear Ferrari apart’ because he felt he didn’t deserve to lose his seat. But his professionalism and commitment never wavered.

Sainz won in Australia and Mexico, taking his career victory tally to four. He scored nine podiums in total, helping the team finish second in the championship.

While Sainz is ‘very happy’ at Williams, both he and Ferrari have admitted that a reunion is possible. His deal contains a break clause at the end of 2026.

“I’m grateful to have the doors open at Ferrari; that was my intention, and I’m glad it’s that way,” he said.

“I’m very happy at Williams and I think it’s a very good place for my future.”

Carlos Sainz’s manager highlights the importance of not burning bridges

Sainz also held talks with Sauber last year ahead of Audi’s takeover, in addition to Alpine. His decision to join Williams currently looks smart – they’re on for their best constructors’ finish since 2017 in P5 – but a final verdict can only be issued after the regulation changes.

His manager, Carlos Onoro, told the sport’s official website that they were careful not to ‘burn any bridges’ in case one of the interested parties became appealing in the future.

“We always try to keep it as professional as possible, trying to not burn any bridges because in this sport you never know what the future holds,” he said. “We always try to be fair, honest and straightforward with every team. I think we’ve managed to do that so far.”

While it ultimately came down to three midfield three teams, Sainz was initially linked with Mercedes. Toto Wolff may have seen him as a short-term solution before promoting Kimi Antonelli – an arrangement that didn’t satisfy driver 55.

Now, Guenther Steiner says that Mercedes should swap Sainz and Antonelli for 2026. Unfortunately, Williams have little incentive to accept such an arrangement.