Helmut Marko and Carlos Sainz (images via IMAGO)

As Formula 1 approached the summer break, Carlos Sainz shocked the paddock by announcing his move to Williams in 2025. The Spaniard was left with no seat after he got replaced in Ferrari. However, after thinking deeply and patiently he chose Williams out of multiple teams that offered him a seat. Dr. Helmut Marko claims that he can use his exit clause if a better team approaches him in the future.

Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko commented on Carlos Sainz‘s move to Williams. He stated that it makes sense for Sainz to join Williams as there were not many good options. The Grove-based squad was the only team with proper plans for the future. The 81-year-old mentioned that Audi probably wouldn’t be a strong choice for next year, considering their current performance isn’t very impressive. Therefore, Marko reckoned the Spaniard’s decision to go to Williams seemed reasonable given the situation.

It is understandable that Carlos Sainz decided to go to Williams, because what would the alternatives be? Audi will certainly not be one of them next year, if you look at their successes.

Helmut Marko wrote on Speedweek.com

Helmut Marko also mentioned that Carlos Sainz’s contract includes a special clause. This clause lets him leave Williams if he gets an offer from a team that is doing much better in the standings. Therefore, if a higher-ranked or more successful team offered him a seat, he would have the option to switch to that team. This would give him a chance to be part of a more competitive environment.

And apparently there is a clause in his contract that allows him to leave if an offer comes from a much better placed team.

Helmut Marko added.

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Helmut Marko labels Carlos Sainz’s move to F1 midfield ‘tragic’

Helmut Marko admitted that Carlos Sainz is having the best season at Ferrari among the top drivers. It is ‘tragic’ that next year he will be leaving Ferrari, and would not have a chance to drive a top team again. However, Marko also mentioned that things should be improving for the Spaniard at Williams. The 81-year-old stated, Williams has a good engine, so it’s possible that Sainz will have a strong performance there and see better results in the future.
Carlos Sainz (via IMAGO)

It is of course tragic that he is having his best season at Ferrari and is not getting a seat in a top team. But things should be moving forward at Williams, it has a strong engine there too.

Helmut Marko stated.

Thus, Helmut Marko expressed his sympathy over a top driver like Carlos Sainz losing the opportunity to drive for top teams. Williams is a team with a rich history and legendary drivers driving for them. However, the team lacks performance and currently ranks at the bottom in standings. With a good engine and driver for 2025 they must improve their performance to win races.