“Carlos knows how to make a difference in every team he joins.” With these words, rally legend and two-time WRC champion Carlos Sainz Sr. broke his silence on his son’s decision to join Williams from 2025.
A courageous choice in a complicated year
The news, which surprised many in the paddock, came after a particularly difficult season for the Spanish driver. Even before the start of the championship, his future had been called into question by the arrival of Lewis Hamilton in Maranello, a dramatic turn of events that forced Sainz to consider new opportunities. Among these, the rejection of Audi's offer, a surprising move given his father's ties to the German manufacturer, and finally the choice of Williams, a mid-table team, but clearly improving.
Sainz Sr., interviewed by the newspaper Trademarks, spoke about the difficulties his son experienced in making this decision: “It was his decision, and we respected it. Carlos had several options, but he chose Williams because he believes in the project. It was not an easy choice, but in the end he is the one who must decide his future. We as a family, together with my nephew Carlos Oñoro, supported him throughout this process”. The father's words reflect the sense of autonomy and determination with which Sainz Jr. managed a complex phase of his career, abandoning the Ferrari dream and focusing on a team that showed encouraging signs in the second half of the season.
Williams: a growing project and Carlos' confidence Sainz
One of the key points of Carlos Sainz Sr.'s statements concerns the choice of Williams as ideal destination for his son’s future. Although the Grove team has been far from the top positions for years, the driver’s father is convinced that the project led by James Vowles is going in the right direction, and that Carlos Jr. can be the driver capable of leading the team to make a further leap in quality. “Williams is a project that is growing,” Sainz Sr. explained. “At the end of the season, we saw progress, and we are confident that they will continue on this path next year. Carlos strongly believes in this project, and we are confident that he will make a difference there too.”
Williams has shown that it is in a rebuilding phase, with Vowles' management bringing new ideas and investments. Furthermore, the partnership with Mercedes and the plans for 2026, with the new power unit, give hope for the future. Carlos Sainz Jr. is not new to rebuilding situations: in the past he has shown that he is a driver capable of adapting and contributing to the growth of the teams he has raced with, such as Renault and McLaren. His father underlined this aspect, highlighting how his son has always left a positive mark wherever he has gone, thanks to his professionalism and dedication.
A driver who improves teams: Carlos' secret
Sainz Sr. was keen to reiterate one of the most important aspects of his son’s career: his ability to improve the performance of the teams he raced for. “Carlos has always left a good impression wherever he has gone. The teams have always improved when he has arrived, and that is what you should always ask of a professional.” The driver’s father explained how his son’s serious and methodical approach has contributed to the development of the teams, a fundamental aspect for a Formula 1 driver. “Carlos has shown himself to be a serious driver, with clear ideas about where he wants to go,” he added. “He is capable of working hard to help the team grow and achieve results. This is what he will do at Williams, and we are confident that he will bring value to the team.”
Carlos Sainz Jr.'s journey in Formula 1 has been marked by constant improvement, both personally and in the teams he has worked with. His move to McLaren is a prime example: when he arrived at the British team in 2019, the team was in crisis, but thanks in part to the Spaniard's contribution, McLaren managed to climb the standings and become competitive again. Now, with Williams, Sainz Sr. is convinced that his son can repeat the feat, using his experience and ability to adapt to help the team grow.
Confidence in a bright future with Williams
In conclusion, Sainz Sr. wanted to underline the confidence he has in his son and in his ability to successfully face this new challenge. “Carlos has very clear ideas about where he wants to get to, and we are sure that at Williams he will be able to make the difference. He is a driver who knows what it takes to improve a team, and Williams needs someone with his talent and determination to return to competing at a high level”.
Source statements: FormulaPassion