Carlos Sainz reveals factors that led him to accept challenge of joining Williams in 2025 F1 season. Carlos Sainz pinpoints factors that convinced him to join Williams.

Carlos Sainz and the Williams challenge
For half of 2024, Carlos Sainz held up the Formula 1 driver market. He could afford to, as he was by far the strongest driver without a contract for 2025. After six months of deliberation—and an ultimately fruitless wait for a call from a top team—the *Smooth Operator* decided to join Williams, hoping to replicate the pattern seen during his time at Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari: helping a team grow.

Undoubtedly, Williams needed Sainz more than Sainz needed the Grove-based team. However, that doesn’t mean the Spaniard won’t find satisfaction in his new adventure. The former Ferrari driver believes the car is already built on a stronger foundation than he initially thought. He explained what he expects from the coming seasons and what convinced him to accept James Vowles’ offer.

Carlos Sainz’s comments
“The Mercedes engine was one of the reasons that led me to choose Williams—I’d be lying if I said otherwise,” Carlos Sainz told Spanish outlet *SoyMotor*. “I hope the Brixworth power unit (which the Spanish driver has never driven before) contributes to both Williams’ success and its rebuilding process. And with the regulatory changes approaching, the Mercedes power unit will also have its impact.” – he pointed out.

Many observers believe that Alexander Albon will be an “easy” teammate to beat, but Carlos Sainz strongly disagrees: “I know how fast Alex is and how difficult it will be to match his level, especially in 2025, since he knows the car inside out. But our goals are much bigger than an internal rivalry. Finishing ninth or tenth in the standings is crucial for us. We will push each other, yes, but most importantly, we will work together to help Williams grow.” – the former Ferrari driver concluded.