Williams emerges as surprise contender for Carlos Sainz's 2025 F1 seat
In a surprising turn of events, Williams has entered advanced talks with Carlos Sainz over a potential 2025 Formula 1 deal, as the Spanish driver weighs his options for the future.
Carlos Sainz's Formula 1 future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, as the Spaniard bids to secure a race seat for the 2025 season and beyond.
While Sauber's long-term offer, which would see Sainz transition to the Audi works team from 2026, has been on the table, the 28-year-old has been reluctant to make a hasty decision.
Williams' ambitious overtures
According to Italian journalist Roberto Chinchero, Williams has emerged as a surprise contender in the Sainz sweepstakes, with advanced talks underway between the Grove-based team and the Ferrari driver.
The move comes as part of Williams' ambitious plans for the future, as new team principal James Vowles aims to accelerate the squad's progress up the grid.
Infrastructure overhaul and Mercedes partnership
Vowles has been vocal about his intentions to push for significant infrastructure changes at Williams, in a bid to transform the team's fortunes.
A key selling point for Sainz could be Williams' customer engine deal with Mercedes for 2026, amid speculation that the German manufacturer has shown early promise with its new power unit design.
Vowles' unwavering focus
During the recent Imola Grand Prix, Vowles emphasized the team's unwavering focus on long-term success, even if it means sacrificing short-term performance.
"The 2025 car is in the tunnel, it's as simple as that,"
he stated.
"And you're doing that to get ahead of yourself in time for actually 2026 and 2027. "
"All the way through my messaging will continue to be the same: it's not that I don't care about these years [before 2026], but I want us to be successful in the future."
Sainz's calculated approach
While many have speculated that Sainz would be forced to accept the Audi drive due to limited opportunities at Mercedes and Red Bull, the Spaniard hinted at a different narrative during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
"Behind the scenes, I know more,"
he said.
"You have the rumours and everything, but don't worry, I'm not going to let slip anything. I'm going to just put all the options on the table and make the right decision."
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