As tensions build, Vowles hints that Williams F1 and Sainz may be on different paths.
Carlos Sainz is playing for time, to say the least. Courted by many (Alpine F1, Audi, Williams), the Spaniard is carefully weighing his decision for next year. And he might eventually interest Mercedes F1, or even Red Bull if Sergio Perez is sidelined!
But the clock is ticking, and Williams might grow weary of waiting for the Ferrari driver. Especially since this hesitation isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement of the Grove project.
James Vowles seems to be putting pressure on Carlos Sainz with his latest statements: Does the Spaniard really believe in the Williams F1 project? One might wonder.
“We have been quite direct and open about the people we would like to sign, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen.”
“We know where we stand in the grand scheme of things.”
“What I want is a driver who wants to be part of our journey, who really wants to understand what Williams is, both the old and the new team, and who wants that to be at the heart of what they do as a driver.”
“And sometimes, it doesn’t match up. Sometimes it does, but that’s really important to me.”
So, the question must be asked: How long can Williams F1 and James Vowles wait?
“My goal is simply to lay things out on the table. This is what we can offer, if you want it, great, we’re here. And if not, no problem. We will find our own way.”
“So his timeline may not be the same as mine, that’s the best way to put it.”
Isn’t Williams F1 doomed to be a mid-grid team, though? Like a stepping stone, a team for lack of a better option…?
“That’s not how I see it at all. I left Mercedes to come here.”
“It’s not because I’m tired of winning, but because I want to invest in something that’s mine, that bears my stamp, the stamp of a thousand other people working in this organization, and the stamp of Alex [Albon] who will join us on this journey.”
“That’s important to me. It’s important to him. And I want that to be the foundation of a decision.”
The key to Carlos Sainz’s transfer is… his father, Carlos Sainz Sr. Has James Vowles made serious contact with him?
“Carlos Sainz Sr and I have a good relationship. I respect him. He’s a multiple world champion. There are all the reasons behind that, he knows what he’s talking about.”
“To some extent, his son’s dream was to be in a Ferrari or one of the top teams. That’s no longer the case, and we have to adapt to that.”
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Williams F1: Patience Wanes with Sainz Delay Williams F1: Patience Wanes with Sainz Delay
