James Vowles stated that Carlos Sainz was the ideal choice for Williams’ future in Formula 1. The Ferrari driver, who was without a seat for the future, surprised the world by signing a multi-year contract with Williams. The team principal explained why he wanted to sign Sainz as their driver. Previously, Sainz had been linked to various teams, including Mercedes and Alpine. However, the 29-year-old ultimately decided to stay in F1 with Williams.
According to Vowles, when he was searching for a driver, he wasn’t simply looking for someone with speed. He wanted a driver who possessed leadership qualities to guide the team towards success and work collaboratively. Vowles emphasized the need for someone who could create an environment conducive to strong performance. The 45-year-old acknowledged that Carlos Sainz possessed all these qualities, making him the perfect choice for the role of team leader.
Vowles pointed out that if you examine Sainz’s performance with each team he has been a part of, there is a notable pattern. Initially, the team may not have been in the best position. However, as the season progressed, there was significant improvement. This demonstrated Sainz’s ability to make a positive impact and elevate the team to a better position than they started in.
The team principal revealed that he had been in talks and meetings with Carlos Sainz for a long time. If Sainz had ultimately decided not to join, Vowles would have been content with that outcome. He believed in making every effort to bring the best individuals into the organization, even if it meant facing uncertainties. Therefore, regardless of the outcome, the 45-year-old would not have regretted his efforts.
Furthermore, Vowles acknowledged that it is impossible to know what would have happened if Sainz had not joined the team. However, he believed that the effort and hard work he put into recruiting the Spaniard were worthwhile. Despite the unknown alternative outcome, Vowles felt a sense of satisfaction with the results and valued the work that had been done.
In conclusion, James Vowles expressed the qualities he desired in a driver for his team. He stated that he would not have regretted if Sainz had not joined because he had given the opportunity a chance. However, Vowles is now pleased to have Sainz on board and eagerly anticipates success in 2025.
