Rumors have swirled about a special clause in Carlos Sainz’s contract allowing him to leave Williams for teams like Mercedes or Red Bull, but Williams’ team boss James Vowles has set the record straight.
Carlos Sainz, after six months of being in the limelight due to speculations about his next move in Formula 1, finally put an end to the suspense by announcing his decision to join Williams. The decision followed Ferrari’s choice not to renew his contract and opt for Lewis Hamilton instead. Sainz, set to take his place with Williams in 2025, seemed optimistic about his fresh start, expressing his intent to lead Williams back to the forefront of the racing world.
Despite the excitement surrounding his move, rumors circulated, hinting at a special clause in Sainz’s deal with Williams. As per the chatter, the clause supposedly allowed Sainz to leave Williams and join either Mercedes or Red Bull if an opportunity arose, even before he had completed any laps for Williams. These whispers were fueled by reports from F1-Insider.com, which claimed a €10 million Williams contract for Sainz included this option.
In response, James Vowles, the team boss at Williams, addressed these rumors, outright denying them. Speaking to selected media, Vowles confidently stated, ‘No, no,’ distancing both himself and the team from such speculation. He further emphasized the small circle aware of the actual details, dismissing the idea that journalists outside of their inner conversations were privy to such sensitive contractual information.
The rumor mill didn’t stop with Sainz’s contract. Another speculation arose involving the outgoing driver, Logan Sargeant. Former F1 driver Marcus Ericsson mentioned that his sources hinted at a breakdown in communication between Sargeant and Vowles. To set this straight, Vowles outlined his ongoing communication with Sargeant, citing regular interactions, especially on race weekends, contrary to what was being said.
Vowles emphasized his commitment to maintaining a supportive relationship with Sargeant, acknowledging his future as a professional racing driver. By dispelling these rumors, Vowles aimed to reinforce the stability and transparency within the team, ensuring that both current and future drivers are backed effectively.
James Vowles’ clarifications underscore Williams’ determination to maintain a clear and positive narrative around their team dynamics and driver contracts. By firmly addressing and debunking rumors, Williams seeks to move forward with a focus on their upcoming season with Carlos Sainz.
