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.

Lewis Hamilton is set to test a Ferrari once again this week – this time in Barcelona – after driving in scarlet red for the first time last week. The seven-time F1 world champion, 40, received a rapturous reception in Maranello last week as his two-year contract at Ferrari began.

Former Formula 1 driver Jacky Ickx has revealed an untold theory behind Lewis Hamilton's replacement of Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, suggesting that the decision ex