Carlos Sainz believes that Red Bull’s decision not to bring him back to the fold for 2025 may have been a blessing in disguise for the Spaniard.
Sainz, who began his career in Formula 1 in 2015 with Red Bull’s junior squad Toro Rosso, was left searching for a new seat even before the start of the 2024 season after Ferrari’s opted to hire seen-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for 2025.
Initially, both Mercedes and Red Bull looked like strong contenders for the talented 30-year-old's signature. As the season progressed, Audi and Williams entered the fray, with Alpine making a late bid to join the race for Sainz's services.
Ultimately, the four-time Grand Prix winner singled out Williams as his preferred option, impressed as much by the team’s prospects and ambitions under the stewardship of team boss James Vowles as he was by the latter’s relentless drive to secure his services.
Sainz recently admitted that being snubbed by Red Bull – and Mercedes – “hurt”. However, he has since reinterpreted the situation and feels that not filling a top-tier seat with the bulls might have been for the best.
“Red Bull had me available for six months, and they didn’t pick me,” Sainz said, speaking on the latest installment of F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast.
“I think it’s because I simply don’t fit into the type of driver that they need right now in Red Bull – and I’m completely fine with that. If anything, they’re making me a favour.”
Sainz’s decision to join Williams was not without its challenges. He admitted that some in the paddock, including fellow drivers, thought he was taking too long to make up his mind.
“I think, if anything, a lot of people in the paddock will think I took too long, especially a lot of my fellow drivers thought I was taking too long to decide,” he said.
But he also explained the risks of waiting too long in the unpredictable F1 market.
“If I would have done that, I might have even been without a Formula 1 contract for ’25 if I keep Alpine, Williams or Audi waiting until this late,” he noted.
Ultimately, it was the enthusiasm and vision of Vowles that won him over.
“I also have obviously an ego, and I’m going to go with the people that really want me,” Sainz said.
“James, I cannot explain to you how much I felt wanted and how much I felt pushed to join them, and they did an incredible job also in convincing me, because it is a project that, as I said before, I just look forward to it.”
While some might see Red Bull’s decision as a missed opportunity for Sainz, he doesn’t share that perspective. Instead, he views his move to Williams as a chance to grow with a team eager to ascend the ranks.
“I don’t see myself as like a lost opportunity to not wait to December. That’s not how the Formula 1 market works.”
Sainz leaves Ferrari with his head held high, ready to lead Williams into a new era and unbothered by what might have been at Red Bull.
With his commitment to the Grove-based project and the faith the team has placed in him, Sainz is ready to write the next chapter of his F1 career on his terms.
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