Carlos Sainz joins Williams for the 2025 Formula 1 season

Williams Racing has confirmed the addition of Carlos Sainz to their driver lineup for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Sainz, with ten years of experience in Formula 1, will leave Ferrari to join Williams on a two-year contract with extension options. Throughout his career, the Spanish driver has achieved three wins, 23 podiums, and accumulated over 1,100 points. Currently, he holds fifth place in this season's driver standings. This year, Sainz won the Australian Grand Prix, ten days after an appendectomy, and has secured four additional podiums.

Thanks and Team Changes

Williams Racing has expressed gratitude to Logan Sargeant for his dedication over the past two years. Sargeant, a graduate of the Williams Driver Academy, became the first American driver in 30 years to score points, finishing tenth in Austin last year. Williams will support Logan in his future in motorsport.

Carlos Sainz expressed his excitement about joining Williams, noting the complexity of the driver market this year. He is convinced that Williams is the right place to continue his Formula 1 career. He thanked James Vowles and the Williams board for their trust and leadership.

Statements

Carlos Sainz commented: “I am very happy to announce that I will be joining Williams Racing from 2025. This year, the driver market has been exceptionally complex for various reasons, and it has taken time to announce my decision. However, I am completely confident that Williams is the right place to continue my journey in Formula 1. I am extremely proud to join such a historic and successful team, where many of my childhood heroes have left their mark on our sport. The goal of bringing Williams back to the front of the grid is a challenge I embrace with enthusiasm and positivity. I am convinced that this team has all the necessary ingredients to make history again, and from January 1st, I will give my best to move Williams forward alongside every member of the team.”

James Vowles, Williams team principal, added: “Carlos joining Williams is a strong statement of intent from both parties. Carlos has repeatedly proven to be one of the most talented drivers on the grid, with race-winning capability, and this highlights our upward trajectory. Carlos brings not only experience and performance but also a great determination to extract every millisecond from the team and the car; the fit is perfect.”

With Sainz and Albon, Williams will have one of the most experienced driver lineups to guide the team through the new 2026 regulations. Vowles highlighted the continued support from Dorilton and the team's ambition to become competitive again.