Carlos Sainz’s decision to join Williams, despite offers from Audi and Alpine, has stunned the F1 world. Here’s why he made the unexpected choice.
- Williams signed Sainz for two years with options to extend beyond 2026.
- Honest conversations between Sainz and Williams principal James Vowles played a crucial role.
- Audi and Alpine both pursued Sainz, but Williams’ transparency won him over.
- Sainz sees strong leadership and exciting potential at Williams, despite short-term setbacks.
Carlos Sainz recently made the unexpected decision to join Williams on a two-year contract with options to extend beyond 2026. This move comes as a surprise, especially given the offers from Audi and Alpine.
Williams’ team principal, James Vowles, believes that the ‘warts and all’ conversations he had with Sainz were pivotal in securing the Spanish driver’s signature for the 2025 season and beyond. Vowles emphasized openness about the team’s trajectory and investments.
Despite being courted by Audi, who aimed to have Sainz lead their F1 entry from 2026, and a late approach from Alpine, Sainz chose Williams. Vowles had been in talks with Sainz and his team since last season, focusing on an honest portrayal of the team’s future.
Vowles recounted to the media how he had consistent messaging with Sainz, from their initial meeting in Abu Dhabi to a more recent conversation in Spa. He laid out the team’s realistic path, including short-term challenges and long-term promises, to Sainz and his family.
Vowles highlighted that strong leadership and the right investments were key attractions for Sainz. ‘What Carlos sees is what you need in the circumstance that he’ll be in is strong leadership,’ Vowles quoted Sainz saying.
Vowles expresses pride in landing Sainz against formidable competition like Audi and Alpine. He sees Sainz’s choice as a monumental decision for Williams, indicating a promising future for the team with significant investments in play.
For Sainz, choosing Williams wasn’t just about the present status but the exciting potential changes within the team. Vowles pointed out unseen transformations happening internally that convinced Sainz of Williams’ future success.
In the end, Carlos Sainz chose transparency and potential over prestige, betting on a bright future with Williams.
Source: Planetf1
