Where Carlos Sainz stands on rejoining Ferrari after John Elkann criticised Lewis Hamilton

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Ferrari are never far away from a crisis in Formula 1, and the Sao Paulo Grand Prix might have created another slice of turmoil for team principal Fred Vasseur to deal with.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc both scored points in the Sprint Race at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix despite a tricky qualifying session.

What followed during Sunday’s Grand Prix was a double DNF for Fred Vasseur’s drivers, the second time that’s happened this year after Zandvoort.

It means Ferrari have slipped to fourth in the constructors’ championship after a career-best result for Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen’s heroic comeback from the pit lane.

Leclerc and Hamilton are two of the most talented drivers on the grid, but both drivers’ Ferrari futures have been questioned in recent months.

Hamilton suggested Ferrari should replace him following a poor qualifying session in Hungary.

His teammate Leclerc has been linked with leaving Ferrari despite his long-term connection with the team throughout his racing career.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann then criticised both of his drivers after Sunday’s race, leading Hamilton and Leclerc to release public statements on social media.

Vasseur will know that he needs to prepare for one, if not both of his drivers, leaving in the medium term and will be assessing his options.

He’ll be pleased to know that Williams star Carlos Sainz would reportedly ‘rush back’ to Ferrari if handed the opportunity.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

Ferrari have considered a ‘return’ for Carlos Sainz who would ‘rush back’ after joining Williams

A report from Formula Uno Analisi Tecnica has shared more details about the future of Ferrari’s driver line-up.

Hamilton controls a clause in his contract that could see him stay with the Scuderia until the end of 2027.

Leclerc has also signed a long-term deal, but there are drivers who would jump at the chance of racing for Ferrari one day.

Haas rookie Oliver Bearman remains the most likely candidate to replace either Ferrari driver if they leave the team one day, given that he’s still part of their junior program.

However, the report suggests that Sainz would ‘rush back’ to Ferrari if the opportunity arose in the future.

Not only that, but Ferrari have ‘considered’ a ‘hypothetical return’ for Sainz despite the fact that his exit wasn’t dealt with brilliantly by Vasseur’s outfit when they confirmed that Hamilton would be replacing him this year.

READ MORE: Williams star Carlos Sainz’s life outside F1 from full name, girlfriend and height

How Ferrari insiders feel about re-signing Carlos Sainz after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton

Sainz has made it clear ever since he joined Williams that he’s committed to the project, and the team have made great progress under James Vowles.

However, when things are going well at Ferrari, the Scuderia have a higher potential ceiling than the Spaniard’s current employers.

Hamilton has been unable to replace Sainz’s feedback behind the scenes at Ferrari, which right now would be incredibly useful given the lack of direction on how the team can improve the SF-25.

Ferrari insiders aren’t against Sainz returning, but whether the team are in a stronger position than Williams by the time a seat becomes available is no longer a guarantee.

Vasseur has admitted ‘off the record’ that he would re-sign Sainz, such is the impact he made at Ferrari.
The F1 driver market next year is expected to be chaotic, but whether Ferrari and Sainz are involved in those discussions is yet to be seen.