Johnny Herbert has sparked intrigue by suggesting that Williams’ Carlos Sainz could make a sensational return to Ferrari if Lewis Hamilton’s struggles persist
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has sparked intrigue by suggesting that Williams’ Carlos Sainz could make a sensational return to Ferrari if Lewis Hamilton’s struggles persist, potentially reshaping the grid for 2026.
Ferrari shocked the F1 world when they signed Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, to replace Sainz for the 2025 season. However, the move hasn’t gone as planned. Hamilton, contracted until at least the end of 2026 with an option for another year, has struggled to adapt to Ferrari’s SF-25 car.
The team’s rear instability issues have frustrated the 40-year-old, culminating in a disappointing Q2 exit at the Hungarian Grand Prix. After the race, Hamilton called himself “useless” and hinted at turmoil within Ferrari, saying, “There’s a lot going on in the background that’s not great.”
Herbert, speaking to a betting platform, speculated that Hamilton’s cryptic remarks could signal early talks about a driver change. “When Hamilton said there are things going on behind the scenes, I’m not sure what that meant,” Herbert said.
“One way of reading it is that there have been discussions about changing the driver. Maybe they’re both saying that if it doesn’t work, the time has come to part ways.”
Sainz, who now races for Williams alongside Alex Albon, has faced his own challenges in 2025, scoring just 16 points compared to Albon’s 54 in the first 13 races.
Despite this, Herbert believes Sainz’s proven track record at Ferrari makes him a strong candidate to return. “I saw an interview with Carlos Sainz, and when asked if he would go back to Ferrari, he said, ‘Yeah, maybe!'” Herbert noted. “Carlos was doing a brilliant job, keeping Charles Leclerc under control. He’s still young and doing a good job, even if he’s struggling a bit with Williams.”
Sainz, a four-time Grand Prix winner, has expressed frustration with his Williams stint but remains optimistic about their long-term project. “I didn’t come to this team for immediate results in 2025; I came for the potential of 2026, 2027, and 2028,” Sainz said recently. “The more I see what’s being done, the more I believe in this team.”
Yet, his playful openness to a Ferrari return has fueled speculation, especially as Hamilton’s struggles continue to raise questions.
Ferrari have shown flashes of pace, with Charles Leclerc securing pole in Hungary, but Hamilton’s inability to match his teammate has intensified scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, a potential Ferrari target, has committed to Red Bull for 2026, ruling him out as a replacement.
As the F1 circus heads to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari. Can the seven-time champion turn his season around, or will Sainz’s name continue to echo in Maranello’s halls?
The paddock awaits answers in what promises to be a thrilling second half of 2025.
