Carlos Sainz has been linked with Williams as a potential team for the F1 2025 season.
Sky Sports commentator David Croft has said that, after conversations with Carlos Sainz’s representatives, his F1 2025 choices are now between Williams and Audi.
Should Williams secure his services from next season, Croft believes it would be a “major coup” for the Grove-based team, with a partnership with Alex Albon testament to the acumen of team principal James Vowles.
‘Can Williams get Carlos Sainz? The answer to that is yes’
Sainz will be leaving Ferrari at the end of the season to vacate his current cockpit for Lewis Hamilton, and his name has been linked with multiple teams as he continues to perform well, having won the Australian Grand Prix earlier this season.
With Sergio Perez signing a two-year contract with Red Bull, one potential option for Sainz to secure the most competitive seat has been eliminated. However, as per PlanetF1.com, Sainz is not currently being considered for Hamilton’s vacant seat at Mercedes, at least for now.
However, should Sainz decide to join Albon at Williams starting next year, Croft commended the exceptional quality that this duo would bring forth. He also shed light on the present circumstances that the 29-year-old currently faces.
When asked about the possibility of a Sainz-Albon duo at Williams next season, Croft, speaking on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, claimed that it could potentially be the strongest driver line-up the team has had during his time commentating on Formula 1.
In my opinion, it would be absolutely marvelous. James Vowles is an incredibly inspiring individual, equipped with a strategic mindset honed through years of successful strategy implementation at Mercedes.
He is aware that achieving the desired outcome will not occur instantly; it will require some time and effort. Nonetheless, he is promoting an aspirational vision.
Alex Albon was not only sold on a dream, but I believe he also holds great faith in the potential of the Mercedes power unit for 2026.
“Can he secure Carlos Sainz? Absolutely, he can. This decision isn’t driven by money. I had a conversation with the Sainz team, and he has two options to consider: Audi or Williams.”
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Audi has not set any deadline, contrary to what has been reported. The claim that he had to decide by the end of May is false.
The decision boils down to Carlos’s perception of the future, rather than monetary concerns. Would you trust a brand new project, which has a proven track record of success in various motorsport events but not in Formula 1? Or would you have more faith in a well-established entity that has experienced a decline in performance in recent years?
In my honest opinion, I genuinely believe that Carlos Sainz will join Williams. I believe this is the direction he is leaning towards because he recognizes the potential that lies ahead with Williams.
At the moment, the Audi vision is likely not visible to him as there isn’t much information available. Sauber has not been taken over by Audi, they are solely focused on constructing power units.
“If James Vowles manages to secure him, then credit goes to James Vowles. In the past, I commended him as my team principal of the year. Considering this, I might have to consider him for the shortlist in 2024 as well, as it would be a significant achievement and an exceptional driver lineup that could propel the team to success for years to come.”
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