5 Formula 1

Has a new team: Carlos Sainz © APA/afp / JOHN THYS

Carlos Sainz moves from Ferrari to Williams

The traditional team Williams wants to fight its way back to the top of Formula 1 with Carlos Sainz. The 29-year-old Spaniard will move from Ferrari to the British racing team after this season, the team announced on Monday.

Sainz has signed a contract that is initially valid for two years - with options for extensions. Sainz will therefore drive for Williams alongside Alexander Albon when the new, radically changed regulations come into force in 2026.


With nine constructors' world championship titles, Williams is still the second most successful team in Formula 1 history after Ferrari. In recent years, however, the racing team from Grove has had a difficult dry spell. Williams, with Albon on a long-term contract and the disappointing American Logan Sargeant, is currently in ninth place out of ten participants in the team world championship. With Sainz and the new rules, everything should improve.

One step back, two steps forward?

Sainz will have to vacate his place at Ferrari after this season for record world champion Lewis Hamilton. The three-time Grand Prix winner had also been considered a candidate to replace the Briton at Mercedes. "It's no secret that the driver market is exceptionally complex this year for a variety of reasons. That's why it took a while before I could announce the decision," said Sainz.

Carlos Sainz takes over the cockpit from Logan Sargeant. © APA/afp / SIMON WOHLFAHRT


Williams seems to be a step backwards for him, at least for now. With a view to 2026, however, the traditional racing team is set to begin rebuilding. Hopes are also resting on a powerful Mercedes engine for the start of a new Formula 1 era. With the rule revolution in 2026, the electric share of hybrid drives will increase to up to 50 percent, and the combustion engines must be operated entirely with sustainable fuel.

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