Vowles Makes Aggressive Pitch to Lure Sainz to Williams in 2025
Williams Formula 1 team principal James Vowles has intensified his pursuit to secure Carlos Sainz for the 2025 season, making a public pitch that highlights his ambitious plans for the squad. Sainz, who is currently evaluating his options for the future, has been weighing up potential moves amid Ferrari’s decision to replace him with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton from next season.
With Red Bull having recently confirmed Sergio Perez’s multi-term extension, Sainz’s hopes of landing a coveted drive with the team have been dashed. However, Vowles has made it clear that Williams is a serious contender for the Spaniard’s services, citing the team’s commitment to restoring its former glories.
“Why Williams? There’s a reason why I’m here,” Vowles emphasized in an interview with Sky Sports F1. “Williams isn’t the same Williams it was three years ago. And by the definition of the fact that we are even talking to Carlos shows you that we’ve changed our approach. We want two world-class drivers to be a part of our stable going forward.”
Vowles believes that Williams’ upcoming switch to a Mercedes power unit in 2026 will be a significant draw for Sainz, given the Silver Arrows’ reported progress with their new engine. The team has also been bolstering its technical staff, with several high-profile recruits from rival teams set to join the Grove-based outfit in the coming months.
“In 2026, we have one of the best power units, if not the best power unit, coming to our car,” Vowles explained. “We’ll announce, shortly I hope, but there’s around about 30 incredible people from other teams joining our organization that we’ve been gathering across the last 12 months. The world is changing and someone like Carlos would feature very highly in that regard, in terms of the grand picture of where we are.”
When quizzed about his chances of convincing Sainz to join Alex Albon at Williams instead of opting for a move to Sauber, Vowles remained optimistic.
“It’s hard to tell. I think he can see all the strengths. I think it’s easy for me to say because I’m Williams and I wear the shirt, but I think it’s an easy decision to come here. But it has to be his to make.”
Formula 1 fans will be keeping a close eye on Sainz’s decision, which could have significant implications for the 2025 Formula 1 calendar and standings. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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