James Vowles affirms Carlos Sainz is not a fool for choosing tail-end Williams for 2025

Carlos Sainz became the top driver in the F1 driver market after Lewis Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari in 2025. The Spaniard had several options for the upcoming season including Audi and Alpine. However, Sainz decided to place his bets on Williams. Now, team boss James Vowles asserted that the 29-year-old knew what he was doing.

Williams has gone through a major slump in Formula 1 for over a decade. The iconic British team last won a race in 2012 and was stuck in the tail-end of the grid in recent years. As such, many raised concerns over Carlos Sainz moving to Grove next season from the Scuderia.

James Vowles highlighted that even he made a similar move when he left Mercedes to leave Williams. The Briton stated that the rewards for moving forward from a midfield team is much greater than an odd victory. Moreover, Vowles mentioned that Carlos Sainz was not a fool and as such the Spaniard was fully aware of what he had signed up for.

I went from the front of the grid to the back of the grid... But the rewards you get, moving the team forward, is far greater than the odd win. That’s where I suggest Carlos’ head is at. He knows what he’s signed up to. He’s not a fool.

James Vowles said on F1 Nations podcast

James Vowles had ‘eyes’ on Carlos Sainz since his F1 debut

Carlos Sainz entered F1 in 2015 at Toro Rosso alongside Max Verstappen. The Spaniard got overshadowed by a 17-year-old Verstappen. However, James Vowles claimed that he never underestimated Sainz since those days. The Williams boss kept an eye on the 29-year-old as he went on to out-perform the likes of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc as teammates.

I had an eye on him beforehand. Carlos has beaten Lando, Charles, at times Max. I remember Toro Rosso thinking ‘Max is quick but don’t underestimate the other chap’

James Vowles stated

Certainly, Carlos Sainz is one of the most talented drivers on the current grid. Fans were disappointed to see the Spaniard move to the midfield next season. However, this could allow Sainz to rebuild and bounce back with the Grove-based team. The 29-year-old might even attract a top team if he continues to perform in 2025.

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