In February 2024, now-Williams Driver Carlos Sainz Jr. found himself without a seat for the 2025 season when Ferrari announced that Lewis Hamilton would complete their driver line-up.
Recently, Carlos Sainz Sr., a rally legend and the driver’s father, spoke with El Chiringuito about his son’s exit from Ferrari and his search for a new seat.
Even with outstanding performances during the 2024 season, highlighted by wins in Australia and Mexico, Carlos Sainz Jr. was overlooked by the top teams.
Mercedes and Red Bull eventually filled their empty seats with drivers from their junior programs.
With seats in front-running teams already filled, Sainz Jr. ultimately opted to sign a multi-year deal with Williams.
On the surface, this decision seems like a significant setback for the Spaniard, especially given that Sainz and Leclerc secured second place in the constructors’ championship for Ferrari.
However, multi-time Dakar winner Sainz Sr. notes that his son is keen to prove himself in his new team.
“I think he has, I really do.
“It was hard for him, especially because he was doing well—this year, he won two races, right? And Ferrari finished as runner-up with him and Charles.
“When he found out, it was hard for him to come to terms with. Then it was hard to accept that, due to various circumstances, Mercedes and Red Bull didn’t open a door for him.
“But once all that passed, he embraced the situation and decided to go to Williams. Now, I see him very excited and eager for the season to start. We’ll see what he’s capable of.”
Williams finished the 2024 F1 season to last and has reportedly shifted focus on the new regulations for 2026.
The 30-year-old Spaniard will face a tough challenge due to Williams’ recent lack of competitive results. 2025 appears to be a transition year for the Grove-based outfit ahead of the new regulations.
Despite the bleak outlook, the 30-year-old is “full of excitement,” says Carlos Sainz Sr.
“It’s going to be a tough year. In the last race, Williams, I think, qualified 16th and 18th—second to last in the constructors’ standings.
“But he [Carlos Sainz Jr.] is full of excitement and very eager.”
Co-Author: Fernanda Álvarez
