Carlos Sainz is bringing his driving skills and a dream team to Williams. 🚗✨
- Williams’ James Vowles shares inside stories of his efforts to bring Sainz from Ferrari.
- The first contact with Sainz dates back to Abu Dhabi in 2023.
- Vowles explains the unique process of securing Sainz’s commitment.
- Sainz will be joined by his entourage, adding more power to Williams.
Carlos Sainz has officially signed a two-year contract with Williams, with options to extend beyond 2026. Williams’ James Vowles has been candid about his mission to bring Sainz on board, including his talented entourage.
Vowles revealed that his first conversation with Sainz happened in Abu Dhabi in 2023, long before Sainz was confirmed to leave Ferrari. Vowles was clear he had his eyes set only on Sainz, believing he’d make the ultimate difference for Williams.
“There’s only one driver team I spoke to in Abu Dhabi last year, only one, and it was Carlos,” Vowles shared, emphasizing his focused approach. He didn’t consider any other drivers at that time, betting on Sainz’s potential impact on the team.
Vowles explained that during the negotiations, he believed positioning Williams strategically was crucial. He thought if they were in a consistent points-scoring position, it would be harder for Sainz to choose them over a more stable Ferrari.
However, as time went on, Vowles had to explore other options when it looked like Sainz might not join. Ultimately, his faith in Williams’ direction and the performance they were building won Sainz over.
Joining Sainz at Williams are his father, a World Rally and Dakar Champion, and his manager-cousin. Vowles believes they’re a perfect fit for the team, bringing a mix of performance drive and character.
“That’s what we need here in Williams. I think the fit is absolutely perfect,” Vowles said, highlighting the trio’s strong synergy. He appreciated their collective drive and considered it essential for the team’s future success.
When asked if he foresaw Sainz’s availability on the driver market, Vowles admitted he had no inkling. He was as surprised as anyone when Lewis Hamilton’s move triggered changes, creating an opening for Sainz.
Vowles emphasized his belief in Williams’ journey and their commitment to improving performance. He sees Sainz and his team as crucial pieces in this journey, providing both talent and a positive influence on and off the track.
With these strategic moves and valuable additions, Williams is gearing up for an exciting season ahead, driven by ambition and a new partnership with Sainz.
Carlos Sainz and his entourage are set to bring renewed energy and excitement to Williams.
Source: Planetf1
