Williams has disclosed that it initially reached out to Carlos Sainz regarding an F1 seat in Abu Dhabi last year, prior to the news of Lewis Hamilton’s impending replacement.
After extensive speculation surrounding Sainz’s career, it was confirmed on Monday that he has signed a contract that will see him with Williams for at least two years.
This development follows Sainz’s exploration of opportunities with Sauber/Audi and Alpine, as well as his aspirations for a potential drive with Red Bull or Mercedes.
His decision to join Williams was influenced by team principal James Vowles, who has stated that it was evident for several months that Sainz was his top priority, with discussions commencing even before it became clear that he would depart Ferrari at the end of the season.
“The conversation has been ongoing for many months,” Vowles shared during a media call on Tuesday.
“It wasn’t something that unfolded in just weeks, though you’ve been aware of bits and pieces because it became somewhat public. But it actually began last year in Abu Dhabi.”
Despite Sainz not appearing to be available at that moment and many anticipating his continuation at Ferrari until 2025, Vowles felt the endeavor was worthwhile because he believed he could sway Sainz.
“There was only one driver I spoke to in Abu Dhabi last year, and that was Carlos, just to be completely clear,” he stated.
“I didn’t cast a wide net; I targeted one driver who I believed would make a significant impact.”
Vowles is optimistic that, following a seventh-place finish in the constructors’ championship last year, Williams could demonstrate enough advancement to persuade Sainz to leave Ferrari.
James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing
Photo by: Williams
However, those ambitions encountered obstacles when Williams began its 2024 season poorly due to an overweight car.
“To be completely honest, I expected we would have addressed the car’s weight, and while we don’t have precise figures, if we had been consistently scoring points, I believe it could have made Sainz’s choice more challenging if Ferrari’s situation worsened, which I wasn’t aware would happen,” Vowles reflected.
“My goal was to set us up as favorably as possible for that situation. Performance is the key factor. If you’re consistently in the points, your phone rings much more often than if you’re not.”
It was only after the announcement of Hamilton’s Ferrari deal for 2025 in February that Vowles felt his opportunities to acquire Sainz had significantly improved.
When asked if he had prior knowledge of Hamilton’s situation, Vowles responded: “I had no indications whatsoever. That was totally unexpected.”
“When Lewis was announced, I was completely unaware. I knew he was interested in that position eventually, but I also understood the end of that contract, as I was involved in it, and I was truly surprised when it happened.”
While Vowles engaged with other drivers recently, including Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Ocon, he clarified that this was only in response to concerns that the Sainz deal might not materialize.
“I didn’t reach out to anyone else initially,” Vowles emphasized. “The only times I did were later on when it became apparent that Carlos might not be joining us.”
“At that stage, I had to ensure I diversified my options. However, Carlos was aware that this occurred quite late in the process.”
In recent weeks, rumors circulated suggesting that Sainz sought an exit clause that would permit him to move to Red Bull or Mercedes if a seat became available. Vowles, however, clarified that no such clause exists.
When questioned about the speculation in various media regarding an exit clause, Vowles responded: “There are exactly ten individuals worldwide who are aware of the content of the contract, just ten.
“And I can assure you, none of you on this call are among them, nor is anyone in my company, particularly those seated near me at the moment. Only the Carlos camp knows, and I know what’s in there. So everything you’ve read online is pure speculation.”
“The announcement that this deal is for ’25 and ’26 and beyond did not originate from me; it came from Carlos. He wanted to make it very clear to all of you and the world that he has made a commitment and that this is where he intends to be.”
