Carlos Sainz’s Strategic Move to Williams
Grove, England — Carlos Sainz, who transitioned from Ferrari to Williams this offseason, expressed his determination to elevate Williams back to competitive prominence in Formula 1. In a detailed interview with Motorsport.com Italy, Sainz reflected on the dynamics that shaped his recent career decisions and shared insights into his new role.
Sainz, a four-time Grand Prix winner, became a pivotal figure in the recent F1 driver market after losing his Ferrari seat to Lewis Hamilton starting in 2025. Notably, he was overlooked by leading teams Red Bull and Mercedes in favor of less experienced drivers, including Liam Lawson and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. While Sainz refrained from publicly detailing the reasons behind these decisions, he acknowledged that those in F1 understand the rationale.
“I’ve come to my own conclusions, but I’ll keep them to myself,” Sainz stated. “The people in F1 know perfectly well why certain choices are made—I don’t need to explain it. So I told myself: if I can’t join a top team, I’ll help build one.”
His commitment to Williams stems from discussions with team principal James Vowles, who articulated a long-term vision for the squad’s resurgence. “I saw the potential to start a great story,” Sainz noted, emphasizing his belief in the team’s trajectory. “Six months into this journey, I can say I’m even more convinced than when I signed. We’re all working 100% to achieve this goal.”
Sainz reflected positively on his current environment, stating, “I’m now in a team with a long-term project that really motivates me. I feel part of a family.” He acknowledged the challenges of his final year at Ferrari, where he felt the weight of impending departure despite achieving solid results.
Last year proved pivotal for Sainz, who carefully evaluated his options, including interest from Audi, before signing a multi-year deal with Williams. He emphasized the importance of making a well-informed choice: “I took my time until the summer to check if there was an opportunity with a top team and assess what the best alternative would be. I didn’t want to make the wrong choice.”
As Williams gears up for the upcoming season, Sainz’s leadership and experience could play a critical role in revitalizing the team’s performance.
