Carlos Sainz reflects on his move to Williams F1 with the Spaniard very confident in his decision. Reflecting on his previous role at Ferrari, he comments on the news of Fred Vasseur’s contract renewal.
13 races into his first season with Williams in Formula 1, Carlos Sainz reflects on his decision to join the storied team. Having announced late last season he would move from Ferrari for 2025, doubts were raised over the team’s potential. With Williams finishing the 2024 season ninth in the constructors’ championship, 2025 has shown a marked improvement.
Looking at the team’s performances so far in the 2025 F1 season, Sainz claims he is now confident in his decision. Reflecting on last season, Sainz admitted there were doubts around his decision based on Williams’ performances at the time.
“I definitely felt last year when I took the decision,” Sainz said in a print media session ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. “Williams was ninth in the championship and there was less certainty that maybe Williams was the right choice in my career. Now, I think a year on, I’m very confident of the decision I took.
“I’m very glad looking at the progress the team is showing and the momentum we’re building into ‘26. Looking at everything that’s been done in the team into ‘26, ‘27, ‘28, which is why I came to this team. I didn’t come to this team for the results of 25.”
Continuing to look at his future in the sport, the Spaniard applauded the team’s progress. He credited Williams’ hard work with instilling his confidence in the project long term. While he remained mostly positive as he discussed the team, he noted the work still to be done.
“I came for the potential of 26, 27, 28.” He continued “I think the more I see what’s being done and the more I am with the team, the better it looks. At the same time, there’s a lot of things to work on and to improve as a team.
“There’s a very long list of things that we are trying to get through and work on. But yeah, I’m happy with that decision. I think we just need to keep our head down. At some point, the results of 25 will give momentum going into 26.”
The media present also quizzed Sainz on the news of Fred Vasseur’s contract extension at his previous team Ferrari. With the announcement coming amidst rumours of a possible ousting for Vasseur, Sainz backed the Frenchman.
When asked, Sainz admitted he wasn’t aware of the deadline of Vasseur’s contract with the Italian marque. The Spaniard suggested the ever-present media frenzy surrounding Ferrari may have played a role in instigating the announcement.
“I didn’t even know he needed a renewal or anything,” Sainz replied when asked about today’s announcement. “From the outside, it just looks like they want to cancel the noise.
“In Ferrari, there’s so much noise and you almost need to announce that you’re extending or staying for people not to create a rumour. It’s always been the case like that over there. I’m happy for Fred because I’m sure he will keep doing a good job.”
