Why did Carlos Sainz decide to switch to Williams in 2025? According to his father, Dakar Rally champion Carlos Sainz senior, the choice to join the British racing team was a well-thought-out decision by his son. The rally driver is convinced that Williams will only improve in the coming years, with the help of Sainz and the new 2026 power unit.
Carlos Sainz will have to give up his Ferrari seat to Lewis Hamilton at the end of 2024. The Spaniard has, after many months of discussions and speculation, found a new employer: Williams. Sainz’s choice to drive for the backmarker team was not an obvious one. The British Williams team currently ranks eighth in the constructors’ championship.
“It’s his decision and you have to respect it,” says Sainz senior about his son’s decision, speaking to Marca. “There were three or four options and ultimately he is the one who has to decide about his future. We fully support him.”
According to Sainz senior, his son’s decision to go to Williams is a good next step in his Formula 1 career. “Williams is a project that is on an upward spiral. It has been improving towards the end of the year. We have to wait and see, and we trust that it will continue to rise next year,” explains the Spaniard.
Progress
Williams will also receive a new power unit from Mercedes in 2026, which is expected to be one of the best on the grid. Sainz himself will also contribute to progress at Williams, his father expects.
“Teams improved when (Sainz) arrived and that’s what’s important for a professional and what should always be demanded. I think Carlos is a serious driver in the sense that he clearly knows where he needs to be,” concludes the Dakar Rally winner.
