Williams Racing Signs Carlos Sainz for 2025 and 2026 Seasons
- Carlos Sainz has chosen to join Williams as Alexander Albon's teammate starting in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
- This decision follows Sainz's loss of his seat at Ferrari to Lewis Hamilton for the upcoming year.
- Williams team principal James Vowles highlights the significance of securing Sainz's signature, seeing it as a victory over rivals.
In a significant move for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Williams Racing has secured the services of three-time race winner Carlos Sainz, beating out competitors Alpine and Sauber. The Spaniard, who has been with Ferrari since 2021, expressed his excitement about joining the historic team, stating, "I am extremely proud of joining such a historic and successful team." Williams team principal James Vowles hailed the signing as a "strong statement of intent," emphasizing Sainz's talent and race-winning pedigree. Sainz's decision comes after a complex driver market this year, where he was considered a potential candidate for high-profile seats at Mercedes and Red Bull. Ultimately, he narrowed his options to Williams, Alpine, and Sauber, which will transition to Audi in 2026. The 29-year-old has been described as a "cork in the bottle" for the driver market, as he carefully evaluated his choices before committing to Williams. Vowles highlighted the significance of Sainz's signing, noting that it positions Williams for a promising future with a formidable driver lineup alongside Alex Albon. Sainz's experience is expected to guide the team through upcoming regulatory changes in 2026. He expressed gratitude to Vowles and the Williams board for their trust, viewing his move as a vote of confidence in the team's ongoing improvements. As the 2025 driver market continues to evolve, the implications of Sainz's signing may ripple through other teams, particularly if current drivers like Liam Lawson find themselves without a seat in the Red Bull lineup.