Sainz finally commits to Williams

Confirming the most anticipated move of the season, Carlos Sainz has finally announced himself as a Williams driver for the next two years, with the option to extend beyond.

After the rumour mill was sent into overdrive following Lewis Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari in February, heads instantly turned to where the #55 would settle in the coming seasons.

In high demand after hailing the only non-Red Bull driver to win during the 2023 season, Sainz’s name was originally tossed around with the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes, the upcoming Audi project, Alpine, and most progressively, Williams.

This morning, he dispelled any discussions of a move to a championship-contending team, revealing he would be wearing blue in 2025.

“I am very happy to announce that I will be joining Williams Racing from 2025 onwards,” Sainz said.

“It is no secret that this year’s driver market has been exceptionally complex for various reasons and that 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 and 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. 

“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 that this team has all the right ingredients to make history again and starting on January 1 I will give my absolute best to drive Williams forward alongside every single member of the team.

“I want to thank James Vowles and the entire Board of Williams for their trust and determination. 

“Their solid leadership and convictions have played an important role in my decision-making. 

“I truly believe that the core of every successful team lies amongst their people and their culture. 

“Williams is synonymous with heritage and pure racing, the foundations of the project that lies ahead of us are very strong and I am really looking forward to being part of it starting next year.”

Sainz joins the team with over a decade of Formula 1 experience under his belt, having achieved 23 podiums and over 1,100 career points.

The Spaniard has also racked up three Grand Prix victories since joining the Maranello-based outfit in 2022, most recently heroically winning the Australian Grand Prix just ten days post-emergency surgery for appendicitis.

Both former members of the Red Bull family, Sainz will line up alongside Alex Albon in 2025 and into the new F1 regulations era.

Williams Team Principal James Vowles says Sainz joining the team “is a strong statement of intent from both parties”.

“Carlos has demonstrated time and again that he is one of the most talented drivers on the grid, with race-winning pedigree, and this underlines the upwards trajectory we are on,” he said.

“Carlos 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.

“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 organisation’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.

“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.”

Sainz will remain a Ferrari driver for the final ten races of the season, looking to edge closer to the championship fight from P5 in the drivers’ championship after the summer break. 

Image: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images

READ THE PIASTRI VICTORY ISSUE OF AUTO ACTION DIGITAL HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.