Williams Signs Carlos Sainz Amidst Intense Competition

Williams boss James Vowles expressed astonishment that top teams Red Bull and Mercedes hadn't signed Carlos Sainz before Williams secured him. Sainz, who has a history of elevating team performance, has committed to Williams for 2025 and 2026. Vowles emphasized their strategic and transparent negotiations.

Williams boss James Vowles revealed his surprise that leading Formula One teams Red Bull and Mercedes had not secured Carlos Sainz before Williams clinched the deal. Talks, which began in Abu Dhabi last November, culminated in Williams announcing Sainz's signing for 2025 and 2026, just after the Belgian Grand Prix.

Vowles praised Sainz, highlighting his transformative impact on teams and lauding him as one of the top drivers on the grid. 'I rate him as one of the top four drivers, if not the number two driver,' Vowles stated during a video call.

Reflecting on their extensive negotiations, Vowles described them as a 'rollercoaster journey' filled with secret meetings worldwide. He commended Sainz for buying into Williams' long-term vision and strategy. The team sits ninth in the constructors' standings, and beating two manufacturers for Sainz's signature was a career highlight for Vowles.

(With inputs from agencies.)