Before the 2024 season even got the chance to start, Carlos Sainz received some really bad news. Lewis Hamilton signed with Ferrari and Charles Leclerc still has a valid contract. It meant that he needs to look for a new team, otherwise, he will be left with no seat in F1 for 2025. For the Spanish driver it was a big surprise as he was doing so well with Ferrari, including last year's win in Singapore, which made him the only non-Redbull driver to stand at the top spot in the whole 2023 season.

Despite that, there weren’t many top-team seat options for him. One potential scenario for Sainz was to sign with Mercedes, however, that partnership didn’t really make sense to them, as the team principal Toto Wolf explained ahead. Then there was an offer from Audi, that is still going to be named Sauber in 2025, but that option on the other hand didn’t make sense for Sainz as he rejected multiple times. Lastly, there were rumours that he might go to Alpine but as the most convenient option was displayed Williams, which in the end admiringly managed to sign a multi-year contract with the Spanish driver.

For Sainz, joining Williams represents a fresh start and an opportunity to lead a team that has been working hard and slowly showing signs of resurgence. Williams, historically one of the most successful teams in F1, has struggled in recent years to build a competitive car and keep up with the top teams. However, they have made a visible progress thanks to new investments and technical partnerships.

Sainz's experience and skill could be the breaking point that Williams needs to return to regular points finishes and possibly challenge for podiums next year. Alongside Alex Albon, they will form a very competitive teammate's duo.