Sainz Joins Williams after Vowles' Candid Forecast

James Vowles wins over Carlos Sainz, promising an initial Williams F1 setback before progress.

James Vowles was notably impressed with his success in persuading Carlos Sainz to sign for Williams F1, given the Spanish driver’s coveted status by Alpine and Audi. The director of the modest English team revealed that his approach was based on forthrightness with the current Ferrari driver, explaining that progress would follow an initial period of regression.

“The fact that he chose us over everyone else is a monumental decision,” Vowles stated. “We have to be honest. Alpine is ahead of us in terms of points this year. They were also ahead last year. I acknowledge all of that.”

“What he wants is to understand what we can deliver over the next two years and the direction we are taking. It’s monumental to outpace these two incredible organisations.”

“But what Carlos has recognised in us, much of which you won’t see, is what we are changing internally. I believe that is what convinced him from the start. I told him everything that needed to be said. I told him what is going to happen.”

“‘We are going to regress. Here’s why, here’s what we are investing in. That’s why this project excites me, and it’s up to you to decide if you want to be part of it.’ I know we will be successful in the future, and I know it will cost us in the short term, but I am convinced that honesty and transparency have paid off.”

Vowles is “not worried” despite a challenging season

To find success in the future, Vowles has launched a significant recruitment campaign at Williams, restructuring the team with his technical squads: “We must also recognise that competition is fierce this year, and with only a few points to our name, it does not reflect the position we would like to be in.”

“As odd as it may sound, I am not worried. I’ve said it from the start: everything we are doing is an investment for 2026 and beyond. And a large part of what we are doing right now is really invisible beneath the surface, but it is fundamentally changing the technology that is there, the culture, and the people at Williams.”

He detailed how Williams is strengthening: “We have hired nearly 250 people over the last 17 months. These are key hires from other F1 teams, who will have an immediate impact upon their arrival.”

“Of the 26 other hires, I believe 11 are in aerodynamics, which totals about fifty people. And when you add an extra layer, it gives you an idea of the scale of growth we are consequently experiencing. When I joined the team, there were about 700 people.”

“The livery of the car at Silverstone had 1005 names on it. This is Williams today, and it’s not the end of our journey, far from it. We don’t do this by coincidence, we do it because people believe in what we are doing. People see that Williams is no longer just making up the numbers.”