”Everyone is a Ferrari fan. Even if they say they’re not, they are Ferrari fans.” these words from Sebastian Vettel still do and always will echo on the streets of Formula 1. Despite not achieving the highs he was capable of and facing disappointment Ferrari took the German’s heart. Such is the aura of the most successful and oldest team on the grid. The team housed multiple world champions but none of them were bigger than the Prancing Horse logo. Nobody is bigger than Scuderia Ferrari in Formula 1 and this is exactly why every driver on the grid longs to sport the red overalls and the ones who do feel immense pride. Carlos Sainz will and did attest to this fact subsequently ridiculing the decision from Lewis Hamilton to not take up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Hamilton was amidst uncertainty until recently with his Mercedes contract ending at the end of the current season and some hesitation to sign the extension. During this period of uncertainty, Ferrari tried to make a move for the seven-time world champion with a mega offer. However, Hamilton stuck to the team that has given him immense success in the recent past. Although Sainz’s recent admission would make you want to believe Hamilton was wrong to reject the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Spaniard recalled his own surreal experience when he received the Ferrari offer. Sainz recalled, “I was sleeping and my father woke me up telling me that the Ferrari contract had arrived. I almost didn’t understand anything, I only realized after signing.”

For the Spaniard, this was an important step in his career, a step “that everyone wants to take. All the legends have been in Formula 1, except poor Ayrton who didn’t have the chance. But Michael, Fernando, Villeneuve, everyone. And everyone wants to be at Ferrari one day at least and whoever says no is telling a lie.” [translated via Google]

Sainz channeled his inner Vettel and spoke in his exact tone. This would make one wonder why didn’t Hamilton feel this lure to the Italian team. Well, let us tell you in his own words.

Read More: Why Did Lewis Hamilton Turn Down Ferrari Offer?

Lewis Hamilton reveals the unfinished business he still has with Mercedes

Hamilton was on the verge of winning the record-breaking eighth championship. However, under extraordinary circumstances, he missed out on the unbelievable feat by a hair. The Brit was down but he’s not out, he reiterated that with a statement after his highly-anticipated Mercedes contract extension.

“We’re trying to win more world championships,” he said. “The unfinished business is getting us back to the top, it’s getting back and fighting back for world championships.”

“We’ve been the most successful team in history, the most successful run in the past 10 years, but it’s been a challenge this past year, so just getting us back to where we belong, and operating on all those cylinders, which we’re seeing Red Bull doing.”

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There is clearly a desire burning with Hamilton to clinch or at least fight for another championship, something he hasn’t done since 2021. However, will he be able to do so before his contract runs out in 2025 is something he needs to look 0ut for.