Williams have signed Carlos Sainz on a multi-year contract from 2025 F1 season onwards.
Sainz had been the subject of speculation in the first half of this season with Sauber and Alpine considered potential destinations, but the Spaniard has signed a multi-year contract with Williams.
Speaking about his decision to join Williams following months of rumours, Sainz commented: “I am very happy to announce that I will be joining Williams Racing from 2025 onwards.
“It is no secret that this year’s driver market has been exceptionally complex for various reasons and that it has taken me some time to announce my decision.
“However, I am fully confident that Williams is the right place for me to continue my F1 journey and I am extremely proud of joining such a historic and successful team, where many of my childhood heroes drove in the past and made their mark on our sport.”
Sainz also spoke of his excitement to help Williams in their quest to fight for podiums and victories, as he continued: “The ultimate goal of bringing Williams back to where it belongs, at the front of the grid, is a challenge that I embrace with excitement and positivity.
“I am convinced that this team has all the right ingredients to make history again and starting on January 1 I will give my absolute best to drive Williams forward alongside every single member of the team.”
Sainz thanked Williams Team Principal, James Vowles and the board for showing “trust and determination” to lure him to the team, whilst displaying “solid leadership and convictions” in their persuasion.
The outgoing Ferrari driver expressed belief that the team is capable of progressing forward, having endured a tough season.
“I truly believe that the core of every successful team lies amongst their people and their culture.
“Williams is synonymous with heritage and pure racing, the foundations of the project that lies ahead of us are very strong and I am really looking forward to being part of it starting next year.”
Sainz’s move got the seal of approval from his current teammate, Charles Leclerc as the Monegasque shared his joy on X.
Wishing you the best for your new adventure next year Chili 🌶️
Still got half a season together to have some more special moments as teammates 🏎️💨💨 pic.twitter.com/QNB1XnNCQj— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) July 29, 2024
Ferrari shared a message on X on behalf of Team Principal, Frederic Vasseur welcoming Sainz’s switch to Williams for next season.
Fred gives his thoughts on @Carlossainz55’s announcement 👇 pic.twitter.com/yPYK02gL5t
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) July 29, 2024
Vowles added that Sainz’s arrival marks “a strong statement of intent” and praised the 29 year-old for his performances, which has seen him win three races with Ferrari.
“Carlos has demonstrated time and again that he is one of the most talented drivers on the grid, with race-winning pedigree, and this underlines the upwards trajectory we are on.
“Carlos brings not just experience and performance, but also a fierce drive to extract every millisecond out of the team and car; the fit is perfect.”
Sainz will partner Alex Albon in what Vowles described as a “formidable” pairing with “huge experience” ahead of a revamp in regulations for the 2026 season.
“Their belief in this organisation’s mission demonstrates the magnitude of the work going on behind the scenes.
Sainz’s arrival means that Logan Sargeant will depart the team and Vowles issued a tribute to the American for his efforts.
“I also want to thank Logan for everything he has done for the team and know he will continue to fight hard for us in the races ahead.”
Vowles iterated that this announcement is clear about Williams’ ambitions moving forward.
“People should be in no doubt about our ambition and momentum as we continue our journey back to competitiveness – we are here, we are serious and with Dorilton’s backing we are investing in what it takes to return to the front of the grid.”