F1 Grand Prix of Belgium - Final Practice - Source: GettyCarlos Sainz at F1 Grand Prix of Belgium – Final Practice – Source: Getty

Ferrari star Carlos Sainz has confirmed he will be joining 9-time F1 champions Williams Racing in 2025. The move comes after much speculation about the Spaniard’s future. Ferrari replaced Sainz with Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 F1 season earlier this year.

Following Ferrari’s Hamilton announcement, Sainz was one of the most wanted men in the paddock. His Australian Grand Prix victory further enhanced his reputation and many F1 teams including Red Bull, Mercedes, etc. were chasing the Spanish driver.

However, his options quickly started to slim down after the Ferrari star allegedly took too long to decide. Williams boss James Vowles previously expressed his desire to sign the Ferrari star. He publicly praised Sainz’s qualities and how important a signing he’d be.

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Carlos Sainz said in the team’s press release:

“I am very happy to announce that I will be joining Williams Racing from 2025 onwards. It is no secret that this year’s driver market has been exceptionally complex for various reasons and that it has taken me some time to announce my decision.”

He added:

“However, I am fully confident that Williams is the right place for me to continue my F1 journey and I am extremely proud of joining such a historic and successful team, where many of my childhood heroes drove in the past and made their mark on our sport.”

“The ultimate goal of bringing Williams back to where it belongs, at the front of the grid, is a challenge that I embrace with excitement and positivity. I am convinced that this team has all the right ingredients to make history again and starting on January 1 I will give my absolute best to drive Williams forward alongside every single member of the team.”

Williams boss reacts on Carlos Sainz x Alex Albon partnership

Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon will make Williams one of the strongest driver lineups on the grid next season. The arrival of the Ferrari star sends a strong message to the rest of the grid.

The Williams team boss was elated with Carlos Sainz’s signing. Vowles said:

“In Alex and Carlos we will have one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid and with huge experience to guide us into the new regulations in 2026. Their belief in this organisation’s mission demonstrates the magnitude of the work going on behind the scenes.

“People should be in no doubt about our ambition and momentum as we continue our journey back to competitiveness – we are here, we are serious and with Dorilton’s backing we are investing in what it takes to return to the front of the grid.”