Carlos Sainz will leave Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season to make way for Lewis Hamilton, who joins the team on a multi-year deal in 2025.

Sainz’s time at Ferrari has been marked by strong performances, including four victories. But with Hamilton’s arrival, the Spaniard was forced to find a new team for the next chapter of his career.

After careful consideration, Sainz chose to sign a multi-year contract with Williams, despite rumors swirling about a potential move to Red Bull.

Moving from a championship-contending Ferrari to a midfield team like Williams is a big change, but it gives Sainz the chance to lead a team with a rich history and big ambitions to return to the front of the grid.

Now, it was confirmed by the team, that Sainz won’t have to wait long to start working with Williams. Ferrari has released him early from his contract, allowing him to take part in the post-season test at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit in December, just two days after the final race of the season.

At the test, Sainz will be the senior driver for Williams, while the team is expected to run a rookie alongside him. That spot could go to Luke Browning, a Williams Academy driver who finished third in the FIA Formula 3 Championship this year. 

The statement from the team read as follows:

"Williams Racing is pleased to announce that Carlos Sainz will join the team for the upcoming Abu Dhabi end-of-season test, marking the first steps in his preparations for the 2025 season.

"This early opportunity will allow both Carlos and Williams to begin building their relationship.

"The test session will provide a valuable chance for Carlos to begin integrating into his new team environment, and he will drive the FW46 for the first time.

"Carlos will drive for Williams alongside Alex Albon in 2025, forming one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid."

Although leaving Ferrari means stepping away from a team fighting for wins, Sainz’s move to Williams is a chance to make a difference. Williams, once a dominant force in Formula 1, has been rebuilding after tough years and with Sainz’s experience the team hopes to take another big step forward.