Williams is poised to announce in Barcelona that it has agreed on a deal with Carlos Sainz to switch over to the team in 2025, according to Motorsport Week sources.
Ferrari’s bombshell choice to sign seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton next season to partner Charles Leclerc had placed Sainz on the driver market as a free agent.
The Spaniard’s hopes at courting a coveted Red Bull drive were dashed when Sergio Perez extended, while Mercedes has turned all attention to Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Sainz was known to have a lucrative proposal on the table from Sauber as the Hinwil-based squad prepares to evolve into a works Audi entrant from the 2026 season.
But Williams also emerged as a contender when it materialised that boss James Vowles was in discussions with Sainz’s camp over a move to the Grove-based squad.
Despite claiming on the eve of the Spanish Grand Prix that he was undecided on his post-Ferrari prospects, Motorsport Week understands Sainz has chosen Williams.
Sainz will slot in alongside incumbent Alex Albon, who penned a multi-year contract renewal last month to remain with Williams through the regulation switch in 2026.
Williams rose to seventh in the Constructors’ Championship with Vowles at the helm last season but has been unable to build on that and lies in ninth with two points.
The British squad’s fortunes have been hampered by an overweight car and part shortages which left Logan Sargeant, who Sainz will replace, using older components.
Nevertheless, Vowles has been pushing owners Dorilton Capital to revamp the team’s facilities as he harbours aspirations to return the Williams name to the pinnacle.
Vowles ramped up his attempts to entice Sainz to the side earlier this month with a public pitch where he disclosed that “big names” will be arriving into the fold soon.
“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.”
“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, there’s around about 30 incredible people from other teams joining our organisation that we’ve been gathering across the last 12 months.”
Meanwhile, Albon told media including Motorsport Week that he would relish the invaluable experience that Sainz, a three-time race winner, could deliver to Williams.
“On my side, I’m not so opinionated or phased about who my team-mate is,” he said.
“In terms of experience and general developing of the team, of course it would be beneficial. We’re on this long journey, on this long project.”
Asked how his relationship with Sainz was, the Anglo-Thai driver responded: “As good as it is with everyone else. There’s no difference.”
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