Carlos Sainz to Williams - Smart Move or Risky Gamble?
Image: Williams F1
Carlos Sainz’s move from Ferrari to Williams came as a surprise to many fans, considering the Spaniard had his pick of potential suitors. Sainz holds significant value to Formula 1 teams, not only because of his race pace but also due to his sponsors, as seen with Santander following him to Williams. He was rumored to be in talks with top teams like Mercedes and Red Bull, yet he chose a team that finished ninth in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship. In this article, we will explore the potential reasons why Carlos Sainz decided to join Williams Racing.
Expansion & Improvement
Team Principal James Vowles hasn’t shied away from telling the media that Williams is focused on a long-term plan starting in 2026 when the new regulations take effect. Since joining Williams, Vowles has prioritized investment in infrastructure, culture, and technology. He has stated that some of the work being done won’t bear fruit until 2027, highlighting the team’s long-term vision. Despite this, Vowles insists the team will strive to perform at its best every race weekend.
In August 2020, Williams Racing was acquired by Dorilton Capital, a private investment firm known for making long-term strategic investments. Dorilton appears committed to the team, as shown by a major financial boost of nearly $130 million in late 2024, reinforcing their shared vision with Vowles. In 2025, Williams also secured Atlassian as their new title sponsor, further strengthening their financial position. Before 2020, Williams struggled financially, but now, with corporate ownership, a new title sponsor, and Santander backing them, the situation has drastically improved. This financial stability may have played a key role in persuading Carlos Sainz to sign a multi-year deal with the legendary F1 team.
Job Security & Driver Pairing
Sainz started his F1 career in 2015 with Toro Rosso and has since built an impressive resume. With 208 Grand Prix starts, six pole positions, 27 podium finishes, four Grand Prix victories, and 1,272.5 points scored, he ranks 12th in cumulative points among the 778 drivers in Formula 1 history. A driver of his caliber seeks a multi-year contract and stability. The uncertainty surrounding how teams like Audi will perform in 2026 may have influenced his decision-making.
Additionally, being paired with Alex Albon may have been a factor in securing the deal. Albon has shown potential and successfully rebuilt his reputation after his Red Bull stint. Known for his racecraft, adaptability, and teamwork, he complements Sainz well. Together, they have the potential to form one of the more exciting driver lineups on the grid.
Personal Motivation
There’s a difference between joining a well-established, top-performing team and being part of a rebuilding project. Sainz’s father, Carlos Sainz Sr., had multiple stints with different manufacturers but often returned to teams where he felt valued and connected. In 1989, he joined Toyota and won the WRC title in 1990, securing their first drivers’ championship and helping turn them into a powerhouse.
Carlos is known to be close with his father, and stories like this may have influenced his decision to take a chance with Williams. Leading a team’s resurgence instead of being just another driver in a top team could be the kind of challenge that personally motivates him.
Conclusion
Carlos Sainz believes in Vowles’ vision and leadership, backed by the financial stability Williams now has. His hands-on approach, combined with Albon’s teamwork abilities, makes them a pairing to watch, and they certainly have the potential to cause a few upsets. Williams remains one of only five teams to have won more than 100 Formula One races. It has been 28 years since they last lifted a championship trophy, but could Carlos Sainz help change that? Time will tell.