Upon confirmation from Scuderia Ferrari that Carlos Sainz would not be retained for the 2025 season, as the Italian outfit signed seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, the Spaniard took his time to decide his future in the series, deciding to join Williams Racing on a two-year agreement before heading to summer break.
In that regard, the three-time Grand Prix winner commented: “It is no secret that this year’s driver market has been exceptionally complex for various reasons, and it has taken me some time to announce my decision. However, I am fully confident that Williams is the right place for me to continue my F1 journey.”
“I am extremely proud of joining such a historic and successful team, where many of my childhood heroes drove in the past and made their mark on our sport,” he added.
Moreover, he shared his thoughts about his racing future with the Grove-based outfit, outlining: “The ultimate goal of bringing Williams back to where it belongs, at the front of the grid, is a challenge that I embrace with excitement and positivity.
“I am convinced this team has all the right ingredients to make history again. Starting on January 1, I will give my absolute best to drive Williams forward alongside every single member of the team.”
The 29-year-old will partner with Thai-British driver Alex Albon, who joined Williams in 2022, standing out due to his talent behind the wheel and particular driving style.
“I want to thank James Vowles and the Board of Williams for their trust and determination. Their solid leadership and convictions have played an important role in my decision-making,” Sainz remarked.
Early in 2023, James Vowles, with over two decades of experience working at the pinnacle of motorsport, took over the role of Williams Team Principal, leaving the Mercedes AMG-F1 Team, where he fulfilled key roles since its inception in 2010.
Under his leadership, the British team finished the season seventh overall in the Constructors’ standings, improving the results obtained in 2022 by ending last in the final standings.
“Carlos joining Williams is a strong statement of intent from both parties,” Vowles asserted. “Carlos has demonstrated time and again he is one of the most talented drivers on the grid, with a race-winning pedigree, and this underlines the upward trajectory we are on.”
“He brings not just experience and performance but also a fierce drive to extract every millisecond out of the team and car; the fit is perfect.”
Furthermore, the 45-year-old spoke about the team’s new driver line-up from next season, stressing: “In Alex and Carlos, we will have one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid and with huge experience to guide us into the new regulations in 2026.
“Their belief in this organization’s mission demonstrates the magnitude of the work going on behind the scenes. People should be in no doubt about our ambition and momentum as we continue our journey back to competitiveness - we are here, we are serious, and with Dorilton’s backing, we are investing in what it takes to return to the front of the grid.”
Early this season, Williams and Mercedes extended their power unit agreement from 2026, when the FIA next-gen hybrid powertrain regulations will apply.
“I also want to thank Logan for everything he has done for the team and know he will continue to fight hard for us in the races ahead,” Vowles expressed.
Sainz will replace young racer Logan Sargeant, a graduate of the Williams Driver Academy who became the first American driver to score a point for 30 years when he finished 10th in Austin in 2023, his rookie season with the squad.
Meanwhile, in the pursuit of excellence and innovation, Williams reinforced its technical department, announcing the instrumental appointment of Pat Fry as the new Chief Technical Officer late in 2023.
At the time, Vowles stated: “Pat has been a core part of winning teams throughout his career; he is one of the most respected experts in our industry, and I am excited to begin work with him when he joins in November.”
The Madrid-born driver records 196 starts in Formula 1, claiming three victories, five pole positions, and 23 podiums, adding to his name 1144.5 points across a decade in the series.