In a surprising turn of events, Carlos Sainz has decided to leave Ferrari and join Williams for the F1 2025 season, signing a long-term contract despite the team’s current standings.
- Sainz was swayed by the “secret” data on Williams’ 2024 car, which showed its untapped potential due to weight issues.
- Williams outmaneuvered fierce competition from Alpine and Audi to secure Sainz’s signature.
- Investment and future growth plans at Williams were key factors in Sainz’s decision.
- Williams’ determination to rebuild and compete against leading F1 teams was crucial in attracting Sainz.
Carlos Sainz’s decision to switch gears from Ferrari to join Williams for the 2025 F1 season is a move that caught many by surprise. Despite Williams’ current struggles, sitting near the bottom of the Constructors’ standings, Sainz was convinced to sign on with promises of progress and potential. Williams’ team principal, James Vowles, was pivotal in illustrating a promising future using ‘secret’ data projections.
Vowles provided Sainz with detailed figures on their 2024 car’s performance related to weight. The car started the season overweight, severely impacting its performance. Vowles candidly admitted that meeting weight targets would have seen Williams score points at nearly every race, showcasing the car’s hidden potential.
This data not only painted a picture of what could have been but also of what might be possible with planned improvements. Sainz saw this transparency as key, realizing that weight adjustments are feasible. This clarity offered him a realistic roadmap of future performance improvements.
Williams’ aggressive recruiting and plans for substantial investments in infrastructure were additional factors that appealed to Sainz. Vowles revealed that Williams is expanding its team significantly, aiming to be a major contender by the time new F1 regulations take effect in 2026.
Sainz was also convinced by Vowles’ consistent communication, underscoring the sincerity of Williams’ ambitions. While they may not be in a position to rival Ferrari immediately, the potential to challenge other big names remains a beacon of hope for both Sainz and the team.
Sainz’s move to Williams marks a bold step driven by potential and future promise.
