Williams team boss James Vowles has expressed his growing optimism about the Grove-based outfit’s chances of landing the services of Carlos Sainz, despite stiff competition from Alpine and Audi-Sauber.
For several months, Williams has been transparent about its desire to secure Sainz as a future teammate for Alexander Albon.
The outgoing Ferrari charger has repeatedly said that he will take his time to review all his options and decide his future.
But Vowles is confident in Williams’ chances prospects of landing the three-time Grand Prix winner.
Asked to rank his chances of beating Alpine and Audi to Sainz's signature, Vowles said: "Out of 100, more than 50%. How's that? How confident am I? I think the odds are in our favour. But I've been stung by this already once this year. So, let's see."
While acknowledging the challenges posed by Alpine’s historical performance and the allure of a potential Audi project, Vowles believes Sainz’s careful consideration of his options is a testament to his ambition.
But with a self-imposed deadline looming to finalize Williams’ 2025 driver lineup before the summer break, Vowles was asked if an imminent deal was on the horizon.
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"Tentatively, yes,” he said. “I think I've already stated before going into the summer break, yes. And I think there's a line in the sand that I've created. I hope it's one that we remain within.
"It's interesting conversations he and I have had pretty late into a few nights.
"He has one of the largest OEMs in the world chasing him. That's hard to turn down. An OEM that his father has won with at the same time. He has a team [Alpine] that has, let's be clear about it, historically beaten us fundamentally. And again, that becomes hard to turn down.
"I can see that perspective on things. But here's what he told me, which actually resonated the most. 'The reason why I'm doing this is when I commit, I need to commit with all my heart and my soul, 100% - and to do that means I can't have any doubts'. And that's why he's taking the time."
Williams team principal James Vowles.
Despite the competition, Vowles remains steadfast in his pursuit of Sainz, citing the Spaniard’s race-winning ability and leadership qualities as key factors in his decision.
"I want excellence within the team," he said when queried on alternative opportunities involving Valtteri Bottas and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
"I want race-winning performance within the team. I want individuals that are leaders. In other words, they are established,” he made clear.
"So out of all those, the top of the list, and I've said it from the start, and I'll maintain it here now as well, is Carlos.
"In adversity last year, he won a race, and he did it in a bloody intelligent way, against some of the best individuals, that includes Lando [Norris] and Charles [Leclerc]. He beat them in the circumstances.
"I know he had a pretty poor qualifying yesterday but look at Q1 and Q2; he's there or thereabouts. He brings excellence along with him. I've said it once, and I keep saying it, that is where my heart is set, and let's see if the journeys collide."
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