Carlos Sainz justifies his decision to join Williams
On the sidelines of the Dutch Grand Prix, the current Ferrari driver spoke for the first time about his future transfer to Grove.
He had not yet spoken to the press since the announcement of his transfer to Williams from next season. At Zandvoort, Carlos Sainz revisited the reasons that led him to sign with the team based in Grove, while specifying that he had explored all the possibilities available to him.
« I have of course analyzed all the market options before making a decision. First the most competitive ones, but I understood that it would take a very long time or that there were not really any possibilities. I went very far in analyzing the options I had on the table. I also visited and had discussions with Red Bull and Mercedes because they were the most competitive options. »
The Spanish driver admits that he could have become Max Verstappen’s teammate under Christian Horner’s orders or replaced Lewis Hamilton alongside George Russell. But it is at Williams that he will continue his career.
« As soon as I understood that the wait was going to be long and that it would depend on the decisions of other drivers, I wanted to take my destiny into my own hands and therefore made the decision to go to Williams. James (Vowles, the team principal of Williams) convinced me with his plan, vision, conviction, and confidence. I think he has a very clear strategy, and that was very important to me.
The former technical director of Mercedes was therefore a key element in the choice of the Madrilenian. Sainz felt that the project presented to him was the right one to continue his career.
« Williams gave me confidence and belief. I believe in it and feel encouraged by the project. Seeing a team wanting me this much greatly motivates me. I can assure you that I am fully committed to Williams for the future, despite the rumors that would suggest clauses in my contract.
Sainz refers here to possible performance clauses allowing him to leave the team after one year of contract if the car is disappointing. He then reflected on his four years with Ferrari and what he takes away from it.
« First, the progress we have made as a team since I arrived. When you look at where we were in 2021 and where we are today, I am very proud to have contributed to this progress. Second, my victories. Ferrari has given me the opportunity to win races in Formula 1, something I had not been able to achieve before. I would not change anything about what I have achieved at Ferrari, also because every victory is unique and very special. »
Sainz has so far won three races in F1, Silverstone in 2022, Singapore in 2023, and Melbourne this year. He is currently 5th in the drivers’ championship, five points behind Oscar Piastri.
