Huge piece to F1’s driver puzzle finally falls into place as ‘formidable’ new duo emerges

Williams boss James Vowles said on Monday that he had his “heart set” on signing Carlos Sainz.

Ferrari's Spanish driver Carlos Sainz looks on during a press conference ahead of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa on July 25, 2024. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP)

Williams boss James Vowles said on Monday that he had his “heart set” on signing Carlos Sainz.

Well, he got his wish, with confirmation in the early hours of Tuesday morning that the Ferrari driver has agreed to a multi-year deal to race alongside Alex Albon.

Sainz has been searching for a new seat since the news of Lewis Hamilton’s impending arrival at Ferrari and was not short of potential suitors, with Williams, Sauber/Audi and Alpine all vying for his signature.

In the end, it was Williams who secured the highly sought-after Spaniard, who is set to race for the team in 2025 and 2026.

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“It is no secret that this year’s driver market has been exceptionally complex for various reasons and that it has taken me some time to announce my decision,” Sainz said in a statement published on the Williams website.

“However, I am fully confident that Williams is the right place for me to continue my F1 journey and I am extremely proud of joining such a historic and successful team, where many of my childhood heroes drove in the past and made their mark on our sport.

“The ultimate goal of bringing Williams back to where it belongs, at the front of the grid, is a challenge that I embrace with excitement and positivity.

“I am convinced that this team has all the right ingredients to make history again and, starting on January 1, I will give my absolute best to drive Williams forward alongside every single member of the team.”

Vowles said Sainz’s decision to join Williams was a “strong statement of intent from both parties”, describing the fit as “perfect”.

“In Alex and Carlos we will have one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid and with huge experience to guide us into the new regulations in 2026,” he added.

Of course, Sainz’s arrival means Logan Sargeant will now be on the look-out for a new team next year, with the team saying they “will give Logan every support as he looks to continue his racing career for 2025 and into the future”.

“I also want to thank Logan for everything he has done for the team and know he will continue to fight hard for us in the races ahead,” Vowles added.

The news of Sainz’s signing clears up one mystery on the F1 grid ahead of next year, although there is still the matter of what Red Bull does amid suggestions Sergio Perez could be facing the axe.

Originally published as Huge piece to F1’s driver puzzle finally falls into place as ‘formidable’ new duo emerges