Carlos Sainz's next steps in Formula 1 have been unclear since it was announced that Lewis Hamilton would join Ferrari next season. Now, the Spaniard has finally confirmed he will race for Williams, where Logan Sargeant will lose his seat. Sainz is fifth in the driver standings this season and took victory at the Australian Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz will race for Williams next season after agreeing a two-year deal with the British team, replacing Logan Sargeant.
It brings his four-season stay at Ferrari to an end, with the uncertainty over his future being settled at last.
The Spaniard has been weighing up his options for the last six months after it became clear his seat at Ferrari would be gone next season due to the imminent arrival of Lewis Hamilton.
Sainz - who has three race victories to his name from a decade competing in Formula 1 - will line up alongside Alex Albon in 2025.
After announcing his move, Sainz said in a statement: "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.
"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 is synonymous with heritage and pure racing, the foundations of the project that lies ahead of us are very strong and I am really looking forward to being part of it starting next year."
Sainz is currently fifth in the 2024 driver standings for Ferrari on 162 points after achieving five podiums. He took victory at this year’s Australian Grand Prix.
Sainz’s arrival means Logan Sargeant will lose his seat at Williams, but the constructor says it will do all it can to help with Sargeant’s next move.
A statement read: "Williams Racing would also like to thank Logan Sargeant for his hard work and dedication over the past two years.
"As a graduate of the Williams Driver Academy, Logan became the first US driver to score a point for 30 years when he finished 10th in Austin last year, and has played a fundamental role in developing the team.
"Williams will give Logan every support as he looks to continue his racing career for 2025 and beyond."
