Carlos Sainz Reveals Motivation Behind Williams Move: Aiming to Build a Top Team

Carlos Sainz, the Spanish driver who found himself at the centre of the Formula 1 driver market last year following the announcement of Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari for 2025, has shed light on his decision to join Williams. After months of speculation linking him to various teams, including potential top-tier drives and a significant offer from Audi, Sainz ultimately committed to the Grove-based squad on a multi-year deal. In a recent interview, he explained his rationale, stating that if he couldn't secure a seat at an established top team, his goal would be to help build one. Sainz acknowledged that while he missed out on immediate opportunities at teams like Red Bull and Mercedes, who opted for younger talents in Liam Lawson and Andrea Kimi Antonelli respectively, he feels those within the F1 paddock fully understand the reasons behind these choices. Though he keeps his specific conclusions private, he views this situation as a catalyst for a new challenge. His discussions with Williams Team Principal James Vowles were pivotal. Sainz indicated that Vowles' vision and the potential he saw within the team convinced him to 'bet on Williams' as the optimal environment to contribute to building a front-running operation. Six months into his tenure with the team, Sainz expressed increased conviction in his decision, highlighting a strong belief in the project's direction and feeling a sense of belonging. The move to Williams marks a significant shift for Sainz after his time at Ferrari. He described his final year at the Italian team as 'strange' given he knew he would be departing at the season's end, yet felt a good job was done despite the circumstances. His current focus is firmly on the long-term project at Williams, which he finds highly motivating. Sainz took considerable time to evaluate his options last summer, meticulously considering alternatives to ensure he made the right choice. His ultimate commitment to Williams underscores his belief in their shared ambition and his desire to play a key role in their resurgence up the Formula 1 grid.