Carlos Sainz revealed at a Williams Racing team personnel Q&A what it was that made the 4-time F1 GP winner join the team. In conversation with team principal James Vowles, the Spaniard made clear that it was the people and the project which appealed to him the most.
January saw a double win for Williams Racing at The Race Media Awards which shows that the team has been recognised for its fan-focused approach to Formula 1. They took the titles of ‘Best Live Experience’ and ‘Creative Content of the Year’. As such, it is hardly surprising that they now have a new show on YouTube called “No Place Like Grove” to continue offering special insight into the team. The first episode followed Carlos Sainz on his first day of being at the Williams F1 HQ – in Grove.
Sainz explains what appealed to him
The highlight of the episode was a Q&A hosted by team principal James Vowles. He welcomed Sainz before asking what made him choose Williams over any other team. The Spanish driver’s response of a light-hearted and heartfelt nature showed the rapport the two men have already built up in a short space of time.
“You start off strongly, putting me on the spot straight away.” was the reply from Sainz, before explaining in greater detail as to what appealed to him.
“You might have seen me in some interviews mention it before, but for me, what was fundamental was not so much the short-term. At the beginning, when I was having to take such an important decision, I was very focused on which team was going to be quicker in 2025, who was generating more downforce, who is finding out stuff that is going to make them quicker.“
Sainz on trusting his gut feeling
“When I started discussing more in detail with James, I realised that he had put together a very strong project here in Williams. He was forming a team, with a vision, with a project, together with [team owners] Dorilton, that I think is going to bring this team back to the front.
“[There is] very strong leadership and a vision that immediately made me, let’s say, fall in love with the project, and trust his leadership. Then I say people, but it’s part of the same thing.”
Sainz arrives at Williams with more than 200 race starts in the pinnacle of motorsport on his cv. In this time, he has driven for Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren and Ferrari. The 30-year-old explained how his experience with McLaren also influenced his decision to join Williams.
“I remember when I left McLaren, I really thought there were really good people there, and that team could be World Champions in the future. McLaren ended up being World Champions last year and I said, ‘Okay, I need to trust my instinct.’ I know Williams have a good project, they have the backing, and they have good people. In the end, this combination of two things made me really believe in Williams and come and join you guys.”
Following this, Vowles replied: “An excellent answer, I’ll send you some money later.”
The man leading Williams has also recently explained the impact Sainz has had on the team.
A personal exchange
The exchange at Grove HQ was a personal one as those in attendance or watching online saw Sainz explain what he learns from his father Carlos Sainz Sr. He quipped that he is “quite handy in a rally car” and said “I’m very lucky to have the dad that I have” before praising his father’s work ethic, technical knowledge and ‘very driven’ nature.
Williams Racing’s innovative Fan Zones
Last year, Williams Racing provided innovative Fan Zones – which was what took the title of Best Live Experience at the recent media awards. These vibrant hubs, located in key cities across the F1 calendar, offered memorable experiences for fans away from the track – including simulator racing and Q&A sessions with drivers, Team Principal Vowles, and Williams Racing ambassadors.
If the team offers the same access in 2025, the appeal of Sainz with existing fan favourite Alex Albon will surely see crowds reach maximum capacity yet again.
It is the fans which make motorsport what it is, and it is the personnel at Williams which appealed to Sainz. Time will tell as to what this talent produces in the coming years. However, McLaren has shown that progress can be made in a short space of time.
With 4 GP victories to his name which Sainz called “special in their own way” he is certainly as capable as the drivers at the front of the field.
In his closing words at Williams HQ’s recent Q&A with staff, he signed off in a way which will surely inspire those around him in their endeavour to achieve past glories: “I have no doubt at all that you are all as capable as anyone at the front of the field.”
