Carlos Sainz to Race for Nine-Time F1 Champions
Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, who will leave Ferrari at the end of the current Formula 1 season, will race for Williams Racing starting in 2025 under a multi-year contract, according to the British team.
Sainz, who will be replaced at Ferrari by seven-time British champion Lewis Hamilton next year, has signed a two-year contract with Williams, with an option to extend. He will replace American driver Logan Sargeant. To date, the 29-year-old Spaniard has achieved three victories, 23 podium finishes, and over 1,100 points in his Formula 1 career. He is currently fifth in the drivers' standings this season.
After becoming the only non-Red Bull Racing driver to secure a win in 2023, Sainz's most recent victory came at this year's Australian Grand Prix, just ten days after undergoing appendicitis surgery. He has also secured four additional podium finishes this season.
Sainz will race alongside Thai driver Alex Albon at Williams in 2025, when the F1 regulations will change. He will continue to race with the number 55, as confirmed by the team.
Since the announcement of his departure from Ferrari, Sainz has attracted interest from several teams, including Williams, Sauber/Audi, and Alpine. Ultimately, he chose the Williams project led by James Vowles.
Sainz will compete for Williams in 2025 and 2026, ensuring continuity for the team amid significant regulatory changes that will introduce a new aerodynamic profile and new power unit regulations, including the use of 100% sustainable fuel.
Founded in 1977 by Frank Williams, the team has won nine constructors' championships (1980, 1981, 1986, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, and 1997) and seven drivers' championships (1980 with Australian Alan Jones, 1982 with Finnish Keke Rosberg, 1987 with Brazilian Nelson Piquet, 1992 with British Nigel Mansell, 1993 with French Alain Prost, 1996 with British Damon Hill, and 1997 with Canadian Jacques Villeneuve). Since 1997, Williams has been striving to return to its former glory.