Williams has pulled off a major coup by securing the services of Carlos Sainz for 2025, 2026 and beyond, ending months of speculation about the outgoing Ferrari driver’s future in Formula 1.
The announcement also removes a significant piece from the complex driver market puzzle, as Sainz joins Alex Albon at the Grove-based team.
Following Ferrari's decision to part ways with Sainz to make way for Lewis Hamilton, the three-time Grand Prix winner's options for 2025 were constrained to Williams, Audi/Sauber and Alpine, with the latter submitting a late offer for the Spaniard’s services following the arrival at Enstone of executive advisor Flavio Britore.
The timing of Monday's announcement is somewhat of a surprise following Sainz's comments last weekend in Spa, where he suggested that a decision regarding his next before F1's summer break was unlikely.
Conversely, Vowles had indicated that he was hopeful of an imminent resolution regarding Williams' 2025 driver line-up.
Sainz’s move to Grove inevitably brings an end to Logan Sargeant’s tenure with the team after two difficult years.
“I am very happy to announce that I will be joining Williams Racing from 2025 onwards,” commented Sainz.
“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,” Sainz added.
“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.”
Under Vowles' stewardship, and with proper funding in place provided by Dorilton Capital which acquired Williams from the team’s founding family in 2020, the team has embarked on a journey of rebuilding and rejuvenation.
The former Mercedes strategist has brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, and his focus on long-term development has been evident.
Williams has shown signs of progress in recent seasons, and the arrival of Sainz signifies a bold ambition as the team aims to reclaim its position as a front-running force in Formula 1.
"Carlos joining Williams is a strong statement of intent from both parties,” said Vowles.
“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.
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’s confirmation will unlock several expected driver movements, with Audi/Sauber likely to rely once again on Valtter Bottas, and Alpine likely choosing either Jack Doohan or Mick Schumacher - or perhaps outsider Zhou Guanyu - as Pierre Gasly’s 2025 teammate.
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