Sainz open to Williams move as 'kind' Vowles launches charm offensive

Carlos Sainz "appreciates" James Vowles' "kind words" as the Williams boss has launched an aggressive public charm offensive for the Ferrari driver.

Sainz is currently searching for a 2025 seat after Lewis Hamilton signed a deal to replace him before the '24 season even started, and had been linked with Mercedes and Red Bull. 

However, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is widely expected to get Hamilton's Mercedes seat, with Sergio Perez penning a two-year deal to stay at Red Bull, meaning Sainz will not be in a top seat next season. 

He has been linked with a big-money move to Stake/Audi for a long time, with an offer reportedly on the table, but he has not committed to the project, with Williams also a potential destination. 

Team principal Vowles launched his public sales pitch to Sainz in Montreal, declaring that: "Williams isn't the same Williams it was three years ago, and by the definition of the fact that we've been talking to Carlos shows you that we've changed our approach."

Responding to Vowles' comments, Sainz was receptive.

"I appreciate obviously James' interest and the kind words he has always had towards me," Sainz told media including RacingNews365.

"The same can be said about how I feel towards him and his team, but the reality is that I haven't made up my mind yet of where I'm going to go next year.

"Because right now, in my head [I want] to focus every weekend on fighting for podiums and wins, so it is very difficult to put your mind into the future when you have such an important weekend coming up all the time."

Sainz gives timeline for F1 future

"I am going to need some time to sit down with my management and have a conversation with myself, and then decide where I want to go," he said.

"But now, there is nothing decided. 

"I don't know if we can wait [until the summer break] or if the decision will come earlier - I honestly don't know at this point in time."