Surprise rippled through the Formula 1 paddock as Williams announced the signing of Carlos Sainz for the 2025 season and beyond. This move has left many wondering why top teams like Red Bull and Mercedes let this opportunity slip away.
James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, celebrated the signing of Carlos Sainz as a career highlight. Vowles, known for his role in Brawn and Mercedes’ championship wins, was astonished that the race-winning teams didn’t pursue Sainz. He believes Sainz ranks among the top four F1 drivers and sometimes even the second best on the grid.
Vowles didn’t mince words: “Yes is the short answer,” he replied when asked if he was surprised by this outcome. He sees Sainz as a key player not just for his speed but for his ability to elevate any team he joins. He’s amazed that Red Bull or Mercedes didn’t snap him up.
In the race to secure Sainz, Vowles spent countless hours on the phone with him. It became so frequent that his partner, Rachel Rolph, even joked about their relationship. Vowles said, “I’ve spent the last nine months talking to him at least weekly and sometimes even daily. Rachel was very confused about our relationship! 😂”
Sainz isn’t just fast; he’s a transformative force. Vowles emphasized that Sainz will do whatever it takes to uplift both himself and the team. This dedication is what makes Sainz more than just a great driver. According to Vowles, this aspect alone should have made top teams consider him.
Vowles acknowledged the tough decisions faced by Red Bull and Mercedes. Red Bull, with their constructors’ championship on the line, and Mercedes, balancing between competitiveness and future investments, likely had their own reasons for not signing Sainz.
Williams isn’t just betting on Sainz’s speed but also on his character and his team’s synergy. Vowles praised Sainz’s entourage, including his father and manager, who all share a commitment to performance. He stated that this comprehensive package is exactly what Williams needs for a perfect fit.
Rumors swirled that Sainz might bring new sponsors to Williams, but Vowles set the record straight. While commercial benefits might follow improved performance, Sainz’s signing didn’t come with immediate sponsorship deals. However, Vowles is optimistic about the potential for future commercial interest.
For Vowles and Williams, this is just the beginning. They are confident that Sainz will drive not just the car but also the team to new heights. As Vowles put it, “Performance is the secret sauce for running an F1 team. It’s like a startup; you need drivers who push each other and the car forward.”
Williams’ future looks bright with Carlos Sainz at the wheel. This unexpected signing could be the spark the team needs to reach new levels of success in Formula 1.
