The next Formula 1 team Carlos Sainz could be racing for has been a hot topic since it was announced he would be getting replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025.
The Spaniard has spent four years at the Scuderia and achieved three wins, but a decision was made to axe him in favour of the seven-time World Champion despite his recent form picking up.
After Red Bull elected to extend Sergio Perez’s contract and Mercedes keen to promote young protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Sainz has been left with limited options if he wants to secure his future on the grid.
Two possible seats could be at either Williams to replace Logan Sargeant, or at Sauber in anticipation of Audi’s takeover in 2026. F1 Oversteer understands that the former are in line to sign Sainz for the 2025 season.
Peter Windsor brands Carlos Sainz to Williams as ‘short-term thinking’
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Windsor has offered his thoughts on a potential move by Sainz to go to Williams over Sauber.
“There is a lot of talk about how Audi are already behind the eight ball, not going to be ready to be competitive out of the box, but also on top of that it would mean doing a year at Sauber,” said Windsor.
“In terms of a long-term view, surely Audi would be better than being in a Williams? He would potentially have to race quite hard to beat Alex Albon and hope for a chance at Mercedes, even though they’ve got Kimi [Antonelli] and other drivers they’re lining up.
“I don’t get it at all. As much as I like Carlos Sainz and respect his dad, he’s one of the heroes of my time, I just don’t get this. It’s a huge upside for Williams if they sign him, I don’t see there is any upside for Carlos, it would be really difficult for him to go to Sauber but it would be really difficult for him to go to Williams as well. It’s very short-term thinking.”
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Williams Racing from team principal to Mercedes relationship
Why would Carlos Sainz join Williams over Audi?
Even though Audi can offer Sainz a contract with a works team, it is unlikely that they will be competitive out of the box.
The complex engine regulations were simplified in part to lure Audi, who announced their plans to join the F1 grid in 2022, and the team made its first move to sign German driver Nico Hulkenberg.
Sainz has been the next driver on their radar, but a move to Sauber would be a gamble on his future. He turns 30 years-old in 2025 and is entering his prime years as a driver, while many of his previous moves in the driver market have often yielded further success.
Williams team principal, James Vowles, is keen to improve the team’s prospects having successfully lobbied for an increase in Capital Expenditure allowance. This enables teams to be granted extra money to spend on improving their infrastructure to catch up to bigger teams with better facilities.
Since he was named their team principal in February 2023, Vowles has transformed Williams from being a straggler at the back to a credible midfield outfit. By contrast, Sauber has stagnated and any takeover from Audi would likely not lead to an instant turnaround in form.
Although the team has made some key signings ahead of joining the grid, notably James Key in the technical department and former McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl, Sainz’s camp has been impressed by Williams.
The post ‘Very short-term’: Peter Windsor admits he sees no ‘upside’ to Carlos Sainz joining one F1 team in 2025 appeared first on F1 Oversteer.