Vowles compares Sainz’s journey in F1 to his own

©Ferrari

Williams team principal James Vowles has drawn a parallel between his own career trajectory and that of incoming driver Carlos Sainz.

The Spaniard is set to make a significant career shift, moving from the front-running Ferrari team to the lower tier of the field with Williams in 2025.

Vowles, who joined Williams from championship winning outfit Mercedes in 2023, understands the challenges that such a transition can bring.

When it was suggested to him by Tom Clarkson on the latter’s F1 Nation podcast that Sainz’s effective downgrade might represent a difficult transition for the three-time Grand Prix winner, Vowles said: "You’ve summarised why the decision took so long. Yes."

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However, Vowles was quick to point out the similarities between his own journey and that of the Spanish driver.

“But I don’t see it as any different to the journey that I’ve taken. I went from the front of the grid to the back of the grid. A purposeful decision to do so.

“But the rewards you get, moving the team forward, is far greater than the odd win. That’s where I suggest Carlos’ head is at.

“He knows what he’s signed up to. He’s not a fool.”

Vowles' admiration for Sainz is evident.

"I had an eye on him beforehand," he said. "Carlos has beaten Lando, Charles, at times Max. I remember Toro Rosso thinking ‘Max is quick but don’t underestimate the other chap’. It started there.

“When he’s in the right frame of mind - in the second year at McLaren, how his performance evolved… When comfortable he is bloody quick!

“We didn’t know how quick Lando was, at the time. But I knew how quick George was, it inter-links."

The signing of Sainz represents a significant coup for Williams, and Vowles is clearly excited about the prospect of working with the experienced Spaniard.

As the team aims to climb the grid, Vowles' own experience of rebuilding a team from the ground up could prove invaluable in guiding Sainz through this new chapter of his career.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.