Ryanair Trolls Carlos Sainz After Lewis Hamilton Confirms Switch To Ferrari

The Formula One (F1) circuit is set to witness a shocking switch ahead of the 2025 season, with British legend Lewis Hamilton ending his long, successful tie with Mercedes to join Ferrari. The Italian team confirmed the development on February 1, stating Carlos Sainz Jr would part ways with the squad to make way for Hamilton. As per his current contract with Mercedes, the seven-time World Champion was slated to drive for them till the end of 2025. Hamilton, however, will terminate his contract after the current season to sign for Ferrari on a multi-year deal.

Once the news came to light, Ryanair took a dig at Sainz, referring to his due departure from Ferrari upon the arrival of Hamilton. In a sarcastic note on X (formerly Twitter), the Irish airline informed the Spanish F1 driver that they offer flights to his home city Madrid. “Hey Carlos Sainz, we fly to Madrid,” Ryanair wrote.

The post was perhaps meant just for entertainment but racing fans did not take it lightly. One of them was quick to claim, “He (Sainz) can get there faster in a car than your plane, Ryanair.”

A fan feels Ryanair should find Sainz a ticket to Brackley as the new switch deal might lead him to join Mercedes, replacing Hamilton in its driver line-up. “It’s a switch, guys. Carlos will be joining Mercedes. So find a ticket to Brackley,” he commented.

A user found Ryanair’s post “so distasteful” as she reacted to it with an annoyed emoji.

“Probably the flight will be delayed,” quipped a fan.

After Lewis Hamilton confirmed his switch, Carlos Sainz Jr shared a long note on X, announcing his departure from Ferrari after the 2024 season. “Following today’s news, Scuderia Ferrari and myself will part ways at the end of 2024. We still have a long season ahead of us, and, like always, I will give my absolute best for the team and the Tifosi all around the world. News about my future will be announced in due course,” the 29-year-old Spaniard wrote.

Hamilton signed a fresh two-year contract with Mercedes last year but added a release option to the new deal that would allow him to leave the team after just one season. According to the 39-year-old, leaving Mercedes “one of the hardest decisions” he has ever taken. He has won six World Championships since joining Mercedes in 2013.

“The time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge. I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto Wolff for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together,” Hamilton said, as quoted by ESPN.

Ferrari is currently the most successful team in the F1 circle and the only side to have featured in every world championship season. However, it has not claimed a driver’s title since Kimi Raikkonen’s triumph back in 2007.