Carlos Sainz, known for his impressive stints at McLaren and Ferrari, has made a gutsy decision for his F1 future by signing with Williams for 2025. This choice comes after a significant shift in the driver’s market, with Ferrari securing Lewis Hamilton, leaving Sainz exploring his next step.
Sainz, who had a remarkable run with McLaren between 2019 and 2020, found himself in a pivotal moment in his career, needing to decide on a team where he could thrive. Enter McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, an influential figure in Sainz’s journey, who offered sage advice as the driver weighed his options. Brown encouraged Sainz to focus on finding a team that matched his comfort level and could showcase his skills effectively.
Brown reflected on their discussions, expressing hope that Sainz would land in a team that allows him to excel, emphasizing that his next contract wouldn’t be his last. “He’s definitely a friend of the family. I spoke with him about it and said: ‘Your next contract, it’s not your last contract, so go somewhere where you feel comfortable, where you feel that you can shine and see how that team progresses,'” Brown shared.
Sainz’s decision to join Williams is not without its challenges. The team, experiencing a lean season with only four points so far, has set its sights on the upcoming regulatory changes in 2026 as a turning point for improvement. Despite the potential struggles ahead, Brown is optimistic about Sainz’s chances of adding to his tally of three grand prix victories, believing that opportunities in F1 can open up swiftly.
James Vowles, Williams’ team boss, played a crucial role in convincing Sainz to embrace this challenge by sharing detailed insights into the FW45’s weight shortcomings. He revealed to Sainz how the car’s weight issues had impacted their performance, noting how weight reduction could significantly enhance their competitiveness. “I gave him quite accurate weight figures for where the car is overweight race by race,” Vowles explained, underscoring the potential for performance gains as weight issues are addressed.
Carlos Sainz’s strategic switch to Williams, with the encouragement of respected voices like Zak Brown, marks a noteworthy chapter in his career. His willingness to invest in a team with aspirations for future success speaks volumes about his vision and confidence. As the 2026 regulatory changes approach, Sainz and Williams aim to rise, driven by shared ambition and determination.
