Carlos Sainz is set to embark on a fresh chapter in his Formula 1 career, trading Ferrari’s scarlet red for Williams blue in 2025. The 30-year-old Spaniard, who has won two races this season and sits fifth in the drivers’ championship, is approaching his new journey with optimism, even as top-tier teams like Mercedes and Red Bull closed their doors.
“Coming to Peace” with the Transition
Sainz, speaking to Sky Sports F1, opened up about the emotional challenges of being overlooked by F1’s top teams. Initially linked to Mercedes as a possible replacement for Lewis Hamilton, the eight-time constructors’ champions chose to invest in youth by signing Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Meanwhile, Red Bull remained loyal to Sergio Pérez—at least for now—leaving Sainz to find his new home at Williams.
“I’ve definitely come to peace,” Sainz shared. “I’m a true believer that if I’m not going there, it’s because life just doesn’t want me to be there. There’s something else coming after that that will actually turn out to be good.”
Although admitting the decisions of top teams stung his ego, Sainz said the process has reinvigorated his drive. “It hurt at the time. We all have egos. I couldn’t understand it at the time, and I still cannot understand certain choices that people have made,” he said.
Excited for the Williams Project
Now fully focused on his 2025 Williams campaign, Sainz is eager to reward the faith the Grove-based team has placed in him. Williams approached Sainz over a year ago, presenting a vision for the team’s revival that aligned with his own ambitions.
“Williams is the one that has invested in me, backed me up from the beginning,” Sainz explained. “It actually makes me super excited. I want to give back to these guys the trust and belief they’ve shown in me.”
Sainz sees his move to Williams as an opportunity to rebuild the team into a competitive force, much like his earlier tenure at McLaren alongside Lando Norris. “It gives me good strength. I cannot wait to go there and together with them build something good,” he added.
Partnering with Alex Albon: A Collaborative Approach
Sainz will team up with Alex Albon, who has been leading Williams’ recent resurgence. Drawing on his experience of working alongside strong teammates like Norris and Charles Leclerc, Sainz is confident the pair can foster a productive and competitive relationship.
“I’ve always enjoyed having strong teammates,” Sainz said. “Alex is going to be a great guy to work with next year. With my experience from Ferrari, I can help Williams become a better team and work together with Alex to build a strong team like I did at McLaren.”
Reflecting on a Strong 2024 Season
Sainz leaves Ferrari on a high note, having secured two race wins this season at the Australian and Mexico City Grands Prix. Despite the team’s turbulent trajectory, Sainz has been a consistent performer, accumulating 244 points with three races still to go.
His achievements this year underscore the potential he brings to Williams, as he aims to replicate and build upon his previous success in a team undergoing a revival.
Post-Season Test to Mark New Beginning
Sainz will make his debut for Williams during the post-season test at Yas Marina following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This will provide an early opportunity for the Spaniard to familiarize himself with the team and its machinery ahead of the 2025 season.
The Bigger Picture: Sainz’s Role in Williams’ Revival
Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams represents more than just a new chapter in his career—it’s a signal of the team’s ambitions to rise from the midfield and reclaim its place as a competitive force in Formula 1. With his experience at Ferrari and McLaren, coupled with Albon’s growing stature, Williams appears to be laying the foundation for a promising future.
While top teams may have passed on Sainz, his determination and collaborative approach could prove instrumental in driving Williams forward. “It’s a challenge, but one I’m excited for,” Sainz concluded, hinting at the hunger and optimism that will define his journey with Williams.