Carlos Sainz to Join Williams for 2025 F1 Season in Major Transfer

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz will make a high-profile move to Williams for the 2025 Formula One season, as announced on Monday. The Spaniard, set to partner with Alex Albon and replace Logan Sargeant, has signed a two-year contract with the team, which includes options for extension. This transfer is a significant boost for Williams, currently ninth in the championship standings.

Sainz, who has won three races in his career, expressed confidence in his new team. “I’m fully confident that Williams is the right place for me to continue my F1 journey,” he said. “The challenge of bringing Williams back to the front of the grid is something I embrace with excitement.”

The move comes as Ferrari prepares to welcome Mercedes’ seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Sainz, who had also attracted interest from Sauber/Audi and Renault-owned Alpine, believes Williams has the potential to return to its former glory.

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur praised Sainz’s choice, highlighting Williams’ rich history and potential for future success. Williams principal James Vowles echoed this sentiment, calling Sainz’s addition a strong statement of intent and a perfect fit for the team’s ambitions.

With Sainz’s departure, Italian rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli is now more likely to join Mercedes as Hamilton’s successor. Vowles emphasized the team’s commitment to returning to competitiveness, backed by Dorilton Capital’s investment.

Williams, a dominant force in the 1980s and 1990s, has not won a world championship since Jacques Villeneuve’s 1997 title. Sainz’s move is expected to be a key factor in reshaping the driver market and setting the stage for future announcements.