Williams boss James Vowles mentioned it needs to be an “easy decision” for Carlos Sainz to affix the workforce as he made a public pitch for the outgoing Ferrari driver.
Sainz has been System 1’s most extremely coveted free agent because the February announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster 2025 swap from Mercedes to Ferrari left the Spaniard with out a drive for subsequent season.
The three-time race winner was linked with a transfer to Purple Bull, however the reigning constructors’ champions have simply given Sergio Perez a two-year contract extension to stay as Max Verstappen’s team-mate, whereas Sainz can also be understood to not be within the body to interchange Hamilton at Mercedes.
His remaining choices are additional down the present grid, with a suggestion from Sauber, who will change into Audi in 2026, having lengthy been on the desk, earlier than Williams emerged as a shock candidate to signal him in Might.
Talking to Sky Sports activities on Friday at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, Vowles mentioned: “Why Williams? There is a cause why I am right here. Williams is not the identical Williams it was three years in the past. And by the definition of the truth that we’re even speaking to Carlos reveals you that we have modified our strategy.
“We want two world-class drivers to be a part of our stable going forward. We want the world to realise that we’re here and we’re serious. We’re investing what it takes to be back at the front.”
Alex Albon signed a long-term deal in Might to stay with Williams, whereas Vowles’ feedback on Friday had been the strongest indication but that the workforce don’t intend to maintain Logan Sargeant past the top of 2024.
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Carlos Sainz reveals he desires to consider his choices ‘calmly’ after the driving force market modified with the information of Sergio Perez persevering with with Purple Bull for an additional two years.
Vowles, who took over at Williams in the beginning of 2023, is assured his squad could be aggressive when new laws are launched in 2026, with expectations boosted by excessive hopes for the Mercedes engine they are going to use.
“In 2026, we have one of the best power units, if not the best power unit, coming to our car,” he mentioned.
“We’ll announce, shortly I hope, however there’s round about 30 unimaginable folks from different groups becoming a member of our organisation that we have been gathering throughout the final 12 months. The world is altering and somebody like Carlos would function very extremely in that regard, when it comes to the grand image of the place we’re.
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Talking on the Sky Sports activities F1 Podcast, David Croft and Simon Lazenby focus on if focus on if Carlos Sainz is pissed off about shedding his seat to Lewis Hamilton
“Of course, the difference is he has the choice of whether he wants to come here or not, and that’s his to make.”
As to how nicely he believes his makes an attempt to persuade Sainz to affix Williams are going, Vowles mentioned: “It’s hard to tell.
“I believe he can see all of the strengths. I believe it is easy for me to say as a result of I am Williams and I put on the shirt, however I believe it is a simple determination to come back right here. But it surely needs to be his to make.”
Sky Sports F1’s live Canadian GP schedule
Saturday June 8
5.15pm: Canadian GP Practice Three (session starts at 5.30pm)
8pm: Canadian GP Qualifying build-up
9pm: Canadian GP Qualifying
11pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday June 9
5.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday – Canadian GP build-up
7pm: THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
9pm: Chequered Flag – Canadian GP reaction
10pm: Ted’s Notebook
Formula 1 is on Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix and you can watch every session at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this weekend live on Sky Sports F1, with Sunday’s race at 7pm. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
