James Vowles believes that Carlos Sainz’s decision to join Williams instead of Audi and Alpine is a significant achievement for the team. Throughout 2024, there were speculations about Sainz’s future, as he was expected to be replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari and did not receive firm offers from Mercedes or Red Bull. While there were early rumors linking him to the Audi project and serious interest from Alpine, it was ultimately Williams that secured his signature on a multi-year contract.
According to Vowles, having two of the best drivers in the world fighting at the front is a major milestone for Williams. He views it as a sign of the team’s willingness to invest in their success, even if not all of it is visible. Vowles expressed his pride in beating a large OEM like Audi and stated that Sainz’s decision to choose Williams is one of the proudest moments of his career.
Vowles emphasized that Sainz’s decision was not solely based on the struggles of other teams but also on the long-term vision of what Williams is building and where it is heading. Despite being behind Alpine in terms of points this year and last year, Vowles acknowledged their superiority in that aspect. However, he highlighted the progress Williams has made and their consistent performance in recent years. Vowles aims to develop a car that performs well in all conditions and believes that the investment in the short term will pay off in the long run.
Beating Audi and Alpine, two formidable organizations, is a monumental achievement for Williams. Vowles emphasized the importance of not underestimating these teams, as doing so could result in losing to them in the championship. However, Carlos recognized the changes happening within Williams, which may not be immediately visible but are exciting for the team’s future.
Photo from James Vowles Instagram
