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Published 07:22 IST, August 23rd 2024

Carlos Sainz Says Trust And Believe From Williams Convinced Him To Join

Carlos Sainz opens up about his decision to join Williams after he is set to leave Ferrari at the end of the season.

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Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz | Image: AP

Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has gotten a massive weight off his mind as he has secured a seat for next season with British team Williams. Sainz finalized his move to Williams right before the mid-season break after he had to vacate his seat at Ferrari to make way for 7-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton who will join the Italian team from next season onwards. 

After being relived from his Ferrari seat, Sainz had multiple suitors such as Alpine, Sauber and there was interest from Mercedes and Red Bull but the three-time race winner decided to go with Williams.

Read More| Leclerc Relishes Hamilton Challenge As British Driver Joins Ferrari

Williams Have A Clear Plan And Target 

While speaking on his decision to join Williams, Carlos Sainz said, “I obviously analyzed 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."

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“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. 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. 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 further added.

James Vowels Weighs In 

James Vowels when asked about his decision to sign Carlos Sainz, singled out the trait of Sainz on how he has had a massive positive impact for every team he has driven for so far. Carlos Sainz himself also talked about this trait when he was asked about what he wanted to be remembered for during his team at Ferrari.

“Number one, the progress we have made as a team since I arrived,” he said. “When you see where we were in 2021 to where we are now, I’m very proud and happy with having contributed to the progress."

“Second, my wins. In the end, Ferrari has given me the opportunity to win races in Formula 1, something which I hadn’t managed to achieve before. I wouldn’t change anything for having my first wins with Ferrari, also because every win was very particular and very special itself,” said Carlos Sainz answering the question regarding what he wants to remember from his time at Ferrari.

Updated 07:22 IST, August 23rd 2024