Williams boss James Vowles believes Carlos Sainz’s switch to the team in 2025 will be “a strong statement of intent” regarding its long-term aspirations in Formula 1.
The Grove-based squad has announced that Sainz has penned a multi-term contract to partner with Alex Albon through the sport’s regulation change coming in 2026.
Sainz’s signature was coveted among the lower-end sides ever since it was announced before pre-season that Lewis Hamilton would take his place at Ferrari in 2025.
The Spaniard was tipped to be weighing up proposals from both Alpine and the Sauber/Audi venture, but he has opted to pledge a long-term commitment to Williams.
Vowles revealed to the media last weekend that he had been holding regular late-night phone conversations with Sainz in a bid to convince him about Williams’ plans.
Having been successful in his attempt to secure his main candidate, Vowles has expressed that acquiring the three-time F1 race winner is a testament to its ambition.
“Carlos joining Williams is a strong statement of intent from both parties,” Vowles outlined.
“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.
“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.”
Vowles has asserted that Sainz’s decision to turn down other options and Albon’s choice to renew demonstrates the work going on to propel Williams back to the top.
“Their belief in this organisation’s mission demonstrates the magnitude of the work going on behind the scenes,” he continued.
“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.”
Sainz’s impending arrival will see Logan Sargeant depart Williams once his sophomore F1 season concludes, with the American having been unable to match Albon.
“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 concluded.
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