In a surprise move, three-time Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz has signed a two-year contract with UK-based Williams Racing.
Formula One driver Carlos Sainz has signed with Williams Racing for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
The Spaniard is in his final season at Ferrari and currently sits fifth in the Formula One (F1) drivers' standings.
“I am very pleased to announce that I will be joining Williams Racing from 2025,” Sainz said on Monday. “It is no secret that this year’s driver market has been exceptionally complex for a number of reasons and it has taken me some time to announce my decision.
“However, I am completely confident that Williams is the right place for me to continue my F1 journey and I am very proud to be joining such a historic and successful team, where many of my childhood heroes have raced in the past and made their mark on our sport. The ultimate goal of returning Williams to its rightful place at the front of the grid is a challenge I embrace with enthusiasm and positivity.”
Sainz claimed his third F1 win in March at the Australian Grand Prix. He has also claimed four third-place finishes this season, most recently at the Austrian Grand Prix on June 30.
The 29-year-old replaces Logan Sargeant and will race alongside Alex Albon at Williams. Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton replaces Sainz at Ferrari.
Sainz, who had also attracted interest from Sauber/Audi and Renault-owned Alpine, said he was convinced Williams had “all the right ingredients to make history again”.
