Carlos Sainz insisted his decision to join Williams was a result of him taking matters into his own hands, not willing to allow other teams leave him hanging.
After months of speculation, Sainz was announced as a Williams driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season, after being linked with several teams including Audi, Mercedes, Red Bull Racing and even Alpine.
But in the end, the Spaniard opted to join back-markers Williams admitting he did a lot of thinking, and realized better options meant having to wait or were simply unavailable.
Speaking on Thursday in Zandvoort as F1 restarts, quoted by Formula 1's Official Website, Sainz explained: "I obviously analysed every possible option in the market. Especially the most competitive ones, but I understood that I either had to wait very long or there was not a strong possibility.
"I went very far with every single option I had on the table. I also visited and had conversations with both Red Bull and Mercedes because they are the most competitive options.
"But as soon as I understood that I would either have to wait quite long or depend on others to make that happen, I wanted to be the boss of my own destiny and I took that decision of going to Williams," he insisted. "In the end, James [Vowles, Team Principal] convinced me with his plan, his vision, his conviction, his self-confidence. I think he had a very clear target and this was very important for me."
The outgoing Ferrari driver revealed that he wanted to have a relaxing summer vacation, hence his decision just after Spa, he added: "Around the Spa weekend, I wanted to make the decision because I wanted to go into the summer break with a very clear situation in my head. I knew that to have a rest, I also had to make sure that I took the decision.
“Williams gave me the trust and belief. I believe in that and feel really encouraged by the project there, and really motivated to see a team that wanted me so much," he maintained.
As for reports regarding an exit clause in his Williams contract should one of the top F1 teams comes calling, Sainz commented: "My clauses, whether I can go one place or another, has been a topic today.
"I can only tell you that I am fully committed to Williams for the future – and that whatever there is in my contract is nothing to discuss," he concluded.
Since joining Ferrari in 2021, Sainz has won three grands prix and taken five pole positions. He is currently fifth in the 2024 F1 Drivers' Championship with 162 points, five less than McLaren's Oscar Piastri in fourth.
Latest News
Loading
