According to reports, Carlos Sainz is more interested in signing with Williams instead of accepting Audi’s lucrative offer for a seat in 2025. After Ferrari hired their new driver for 2025, Sainz was left without a seat and had to explore other options. While Audi initially seemed like a promising choice for Sainz, it appears he is inclined to join Williams Racing.
Audi is scheduled to take over the Sauber F1 team by 2026 and has already made significant investments in their F1 project, including hiring Nico Hulkenberg from Haas. Sainz was considered their top priority. However, the 29-year-old driver doesn’t seem convinced with the offer so far.
On the other hand, Williams seems to be Sainz’s preferred destination after being rejected by Red Bull and Mercedes. Reports suggest that Sainz has received a four-year offer from Williams, with the option to leave the team after two seasons if they fail to meet their objectives. There seems to be a main reason behind Sainz’s desire to join the Grove-based team.
James Vowles, who was appointed as Williams’ Team Principal last year, has been instrumental in the team’s transformation. With a great ambition to bring Williams back to the top of the grid after a long period of decline, Vowles has been vocal about the team’s disappointing state. Sainz seems convinced by Vowles’ plans for Williams, and the reliability of the Mercedes power unit increases the appeal.
The alleged four-year offer also gives Sainz the flexibility to leave Williams after two seasons if Vowles’ promises don’t materialize. This would give him the opportunity to join a top team in 2027. On the other hand, if Vowles succeeds in his ambitions, Sainz would have a secure future in the Grove-based team.
Although joining Williams may be seen as a risky move for Sainz, it seems that he has more confidence in James Vowles’ leadership than in Audi’s proposals at the moment. Fans are hopeful that Williams will fulfill their future plans and provide Sainz with a competitive car in the coming years.
