Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr. has made his decision: he will drive for Williams in the next Formula 1 season, the British team announced on Monday.
The two clans have agreed on the details of a two-year contract with options to extend the collaboration. He will replace American Logan Sargeant and team up with Thailand’s Alexander Albon.
A three-time Grand Prix winner, Sainz has been looking for a new drive since seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton signed a contract with Ferrari before the season even began.
“I am very pleased to announce that I will be joining Williams in 2025,” Sainz said, according to a team statement. “It is no secret that the driver market has been extremely complex for many reasons and it has taken me a long time to announce my decision.
“Nevertheless, I am fully convinced that Williams is the right place to continue my journey in F1 and I am extremely proud to join such a historic and successful team, where many of my childhood heroes have driven in the past and left their mark on our sport. The ultimate goal is to return Williams to where it belongs, at the front of the grid.”
Sainz won the Australian Grand Prix this season and is currently fifth in the drivers’ standings with 162 points. His Ferrari teammate, Monaco’s Charles Leclerc, is third with 177 points.
PHOTO JOHANNA GERON, REUTERS
Carlos Sainz Jr.
A former Red Bull protégé, Sainz began his F1 career in 2015 with Toro Rosso alongside Max Verstappen. He moved to Renault during the 2017 season, then to McLaren in 2019. He then accepted Ferrari’s offer to replace Sebastian Vettel in 2021.
He has 23 podiums in the premier category of motorsport.
Williams has won nine constructors’ titles in its history, but has not finished better than seventh since 2017, finishing dead last on four occasions.
The Grove, UK team are currently ninth out of 10 teams with four points.
“The arrival of Carlos is a strong statement of intent from both parties,” said Team Principal James Vowles. “Carlos has demonstrated time and time again that he is one of the most talented drivers on the grid. He brings not only experience and performance, but also a fierce desire to extract every millisecond from the team and the car.
“With Alex and Carlos, we will have one of the best driver duos on the grid to guide us through the introduction of the new regulations in 2026.”