Could Carlos Sainz be getting closer to securing a Williams drive for 2025?
James Vowles has claimed it should be an “easy decision” for Carlos Sainz to join Williams for the F1 2025 season, with the team’s interest in the outgoing Ferrari driver a sign of the team’s ambition.
Sainz is still without a seat for the upcoming season as Ferrari recently revealed the acquisition of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who has signed a multi-year deal for F1 2025.
James Vowles: Carlos Sainz to Williams ‘an easy decision’
Sainz’s exceptional start to the season, highlighted by his triumph at the Australian Grand Prix, had sparked rumors of potential interest from Mercedes and Red Bull. However, in the past few weeks, Sainz has witnessed those opportunities fade away.
PlanetF1.com reported ahead of last month’s Monaco Grand Prix that Sainz was no longer under consideration to replace Hamilton at Mercedes, with the team instead opting to keep tabs on Max Verstappen’s situation at Red Bull.
If Verstappen is unavailable for F1 2025, it is believed that the team will recruit Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the 17-year-old Italian prodigy, as Hamilton’s replacement.
Where will Carlos Sainz land for F1 2025?
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Leading up to the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, Red Bull made an official announcement confirming Sergio Perez’s new two-year contract with the reigning Constructors’ Champions. This development effectively puts an end to any speculation surrounding the Mexican driver’s future.
Many people believe that Sainz’s choices have narrowed down to Williams and Sauber, with the latter transforming into Audi when the German automaker enters Formula 1 in 2026.
During the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last month, Vowles, who has been vocal about his desire to sign Sainz, announced that he plans to complete Williams’ F1 2025 driver lineup in a matter of weeks. He hinted at a significant signing that would showcase the progress the team has made since he became team principal 18 months ago.
Giving an update from Montreal, Vowles affirmed that the team is actively searching for two drivers of immense talent, as they have already secured Alex Albon with a fresh agreement.
He thinks that Williams’ technical alliance with Mercedes, which is thought to be well ahead in its preparations for the F1 2026 rule changes, makes the team in Grove an appealing choice for a driver of Sainz’s caliber.
In an interview with Sky F1, he responded, “Let’s address the inquiry of why Williams.”
I am here for a reason. Williams has undergone significant changes over the past three years.
“Our engagement with Carlos is a clear indication that we have indeed altered our approach.”
“Our objective is to recruit two exceptional drivers to join our team in the future. It is crucial for us to establish our presence and demonstrate our strong commitment to reclaiming a leading position in the world. We are fully dedicated to investing whatever resources necessary to regain our competitive edge.”
“Our car will be equipped with one of the finest power units, if not the very best, by 2026.”
“We have been collecting a group of approximately 30 exceptional individuals from various teams over the past year, and I anticipate announcing their inclusion in our organization very soon.”
“The world is undergoing significant changes, and individuals like Carlos play a crucial role in this larger context, shaping the direction we are heading towards.”
Naturally, the distinction lies in his ability to decide if he wishes to come here or not, and that decision is entirely up to him.
When asked if Sainz is persuaded by Williams’ proposal, Vowles responded, “It’s difficult to say. I believe he acknowledges all the advantages.”
“I believe it’s a simple choice for me to make, given that I am Williams and proudly wear the shirt. Coming here seems like an effortless decision.”
“It must be made by him.”
According to a report released on Thursday in Spain, it has been asserted that Sainz has officially committed to a contract for the F1 2025 season. The document has been duly verified by a reputable law firm situated in Madrid, the hometown of the 29-year-old driver.
Sainz’s reaction to the claims of finalizing a deal with Williams was filled with anger. He emphasized the significance of discovering the perfect long-term endeavor, especially when the F1 2026 regulations come into play.
In Montreal, he informed journalists, “I can only share that nothing is set in stone.”
I find it amusing when I come across reports in the media claiming that I have signed with a particular team. I’ve witnessed similar rumors in the past, such as being linked to Mercedes or Red Bull three months ago.
“It is evident that those places are not going to materialize.”
“It’s actually quite amusing to see people claiming that I’ve joined Williams. It’s quite laughable how certain media reports can spread false information without any consequences. It does worry me that such misinformation can circulate without any accountability or support.”
In addition to that, I promise to keep you informed and be transparent whenever I have something to share or announce. You will always be the first to know, as I will openly discuss it here.
When it comes to my future, I will thoroughly evaluate and carefully contemplate all the terms and conditions outlined in the contract before signing it.
I strongly believe that in Formula 1, achieving success requires a medium to long-term commitment. It is unlikely that you can simply join a team for a year, win races, and then move on to another team with the expectation of continued success. To make significant achievements in Formula 1, a well-planned and sustained project is necessary.
I believe that the years ’25, ’26, ’27, ’28 present a promising opportunity for me to discover what I am seeking. Specifically, I anticipate that ’26 will be like a lottery due to the recent regulations that have been revealed. Upon reviewing them, it seems extremely challenging for me to predict which individuals or teams will emerge as competitive.
I understand that at the moment, you may perceive it in a rather dramatic way that I won’t be in a competitive car for ’25 or ’26. However, I truly believe that ’26 will bring about a significant change, and perhaps the future holds something incredibly positive for me.
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