Vowles highlights pride in beating rivals to Sainz signature

Williams team principal James Vowles has detailed his pride in beating rival squads to Carlos Sainz's signature.

Sainz was forced to search for a new home in F1 after Ferrari opted to drop the Spaniard in favour of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Following months of deliberations, Sainz opted to join Williams in 2025 on a multi-year deal alongside Alex Albon.

“I think it's a huge, huge event for Williams, to have two of the best drivers in the world fighting in the front,” Vowles told media including RacingNews365. 

“And I think it is very much a sign of things to come - the fact that we are prepared to have the investment required to be there. A lot of it you can't see.

“The one that you can materially see is what we're doing by effectively putting money where it should be, into the best drivers that are available to us.”

Vowles pleased to best OEMs

Sainz was also being chased by Alpine and Audi, who missed out on the three-time grand prix winner's services.

Audi's chances of signing the 28-year-old appeared to be boosted when it employed his former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto as its chief technical and chief operating officer.

Despite the seismic hire and appeal of racing for a works team, Sainz placed his faith in Williams.

“What he described is Mattia joining hasn't changed his decision,” Vowles detailed. “You can now determine what he meant by that.

“In terms of beating an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and one of the largest in the world, I’m incredibly proud. 

“I said it to Carlos anyway, it’s one of the proudest moments of my career and I’ve had a lot of great moments in my career. 

“And the fact he chose us above all else is a huge, huge, monumental decision.”