Carlos Sainz insists he holds no hard feelings after it was confirmed he will be replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton.
The Spaniard will leave at the end of the 2024 season and claims he 'already knew' that changes were afoot at the Italian team.
Bombshell news broke last week when it emerged that Hamilton will leave Mercedes and join Ferrari from the 2025 campaign.
The Brit has exercised an exit clause in his Mercedes contract to leave a year early and sign for one of their rivals.
Carlos Sainz has given his opinion on being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari
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Hamilton has been at Mercedes since 2013 and it will bring an end to a glittering spell where he won six of his seven world titles.
The 39-year-old will team up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, with Sainz leaving when his contract expires at the end of the year.
Sainz admits it is not a 'normal feeling' as he prepares for the new season.
But he is fully focused on being as successful as he can for Ferrari despite knowing it will be his final year with the team.
He told Sky in Italy: "It's certainly not the most normal feeling to start the season.
"But the moment I put on the helmet in Bahrain and take to the track, the only sensation I'll feel will be the desire to go faster and faster - and also aiming for victory in the world championship."
Ferrari were the only team other than Red Bull to win a race in the 2023 F1 season.
Sainz was victorious at the Singapore Grand Prix but insists he is not disappointed by the news of his impending exit.
The 29-year-old claims he had already heard murmurings from inside Ferrari that certain changes were going to be made.
Sainz added: "I'm fine, don't worry. I'm not disappointed. Experiencing Ferrari from the inside I already knew several things and I prepared myself with the team in view of future changes.
"As I said, however, I don't want to think about anything other than giving my all in the season that awaits me with Ferrari.
"I'm calm. We know that we have a very important season ahead of us. This will be my last year in Ferrari, so I want to do the best I can."
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Carlos Sainz will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025
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What lies next for Sainz remains to be seen, although new 2026 entrant Audi are said to be keen on acquiring him.
He insists he is more motivated than ever to succeed in the sport.
Sainz said: "I am aware of how much I am worth as a driver. For this reason, when I look to the future, I am very calm.
"Good things will definitely come, but for now my goal is to give my best with Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz has been with Ferrari since the 2021 F1 season
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"In my career I have always made steps forward. Improving more every year. This has always been and always will be my philosophy, and it will be the same this year.
"In 2024, I will turn 30 but I feel younger and more motivated than ever."
