F1 | Vowles: “Sainz in Williams? We are negotiating to convince him”

The grid for next season is not yet defined, with several seats still to be assigned. Among those drivers at the center of the market is Carlos Sainz, who still has to make his choice by evaluating between different options on the table, linking himself to the Sauber-Audi project, which focuses on a long-term vision that is not without unknowns, or to Williams, which has entered the negotiations in recent weeks.

While it is clear that Audi is investing heavily in upgrading Sauber facilities ahead of its arrival in 2026 with an in-house built Power Unit, doubts clearly remain. On the other hand, Williams, which is continuing to push to improve in every department after the arrival of Dorilton Capital, could represent a good choice in the medium term, because it could provide freedom of movement in view of the next market shake-up.

Furthermore, in a new regulatory era in which the Power Unit will make the difference, especially at the beginning of the technical cycle, having the support of Mercedes could be a strong point, as highlighted by the Team Principal of the Grove team. This is one of the elements put on the table by Vowles himself who, during the weekend in Canada, spoke about how negotiations with the Spaniard are progressing.

“There’s a reason I’m here. Williams is not the same Williams as three years ago and the fact that we are talking to Carlos shows that our approach has changed. We want two world-class drivers to be part of our team in the future. We want the world to realize that we are here and we are serious”, explained Vowles to Sky, underlining how being in discussion with Sainz also demonstrates the progress of the team in recent years, which is no longer seen as the Cinderella of F1.

Clearly, the road is still long, especially considering that until a few months ago, even at a structural level there was a concrete gap not only towards the top teams, but also towards some of the midfield teams, but the investments are making it possible to approach.

“We are investing. To return to the top positions in 2026, we have one of the best Power Units, if not the best, coming to our car. Will we announce the name of the second driver soon? I hope so. Furthermore, there are around 30 incredible people from other teams that we have signed in the last 12 months,” added the Team Principal, who mentioned the team’s recruitment drive at headcount level, also convincing Pat Fry to join the team. team after leaving Alpine.

James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

“The world is changing and a person like Carlos is very important in this sense regarding the overall picture of our situation. Of course, the difference is that he has the choice to come here or not, and that’s his choice. Are we convincing him? It is hard to say. I think you can see all the strengths of our team. It’s easy for me to say because I’m from Williams, but I think it’s easy to decide to come here, but he has to decide,” Vowles added.

The Briton confirmed that there are two names on the list of candidates for the second seat at Williams alongside the confirmed Alexander Albon: “Williams has a shortlist of two drivers who could team up with Albon next year. Simple. I think we’ve been very open in discussing who’s at the top of our list. But now it’s a question of understanding what we can do to find an agreement, in this circumstance, with Carlos.”

“But he chooses where he goes. You know there’s one or two options for him, and we’re one of those two. Personally I think we’re the right choice. I think it would be a good match. But the choice remains, obviously ”, added Vowles, underlining Audi’s well-known interest in the Madrilenian.