Williams Formula 1 boss James Vowles has ramped up his pursuit to attract Carlos Sainz to the team in 2025 with a public pitch naming his ambitions for the squad.
Sainz is weighing up the options available to him to continue in F1 amid Ferrari’s decision to replace him with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton from next season.
The Spaniard’s dwindling hopes at landing a coveted Red Bull drive were ended earlier this week as it was announced Sergio Perez has signed a multi-term extension.
While Sainz is known to have a lucrative proposal from Audi as it prepares to take over Sauber in 2026, Williams has also emerged as a viable choice in recent weeks.
Vowles hasn’t denied his interest in acquiring the three-time race winner’s services and thinks it demonstrates how intent he is on restoring Williams to former glories.
“Why Williams? There’s a reason why I’m here,” Vowles told Sky Sports F1. “Williams isn’t the same Williams it was three years ago.
“And by the definition of the fact that we are even talking to Carlos shows you that we’ve changed our approach.
“We want two world-class drivers to be a part of our stable going forward.
“We want the world to realise that we’re here and we’re serious. We’re investing what it takes to be back at the front.”
With rumours circulating that Mercedes is making strong progress with its 2026 power unit, Vowles believes that will be an enticing element which favours Williams.
The Briton also revealed that the Grove-based squad will soon welcome several engineers who have been recruited from rival teams as it strives to upscale its setup.
“In 2026, we have one of the best power units, if not the best power unit, coming to our car,” Vowles explained.
“We’ll announce, shortly I hope, but there’s around about 30 incredible people from other teams joining our organisation that we’ve been gathering across the last 12 months.
“The world is changing and someone like Carlos would feature very highly in that regard, in terms of the grand picture of where we are.
“Of course, the difference is he has the choice of whether he wants to come here or not, and that’s his to make.”
When asked how his attempts to persuade Sainz to come in alongside Alex Albon over penning a move to Sauber was progressing, Vowles added: “It’s hard to tell.
“I think he can see all the strengths. I think it’s easy for me to say because I’m Williams and I wear the shirt, but I think it’s an easy decision to come here. But it has to be his to make.”
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