Bréaking: F1 team confirm NEW driver deal with official statement…Read more
F1 team confirm NEW driver deal with official statement
The Williams Formula 1 team has confirmed a major driver lineup change for 2025.
Following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Carlos Sainz has signed with Williams, replacing Franco Colapinto.
Sainz’s departure from Ferrari came after Hamilton’s arrival left no seat for him, and Williams emerged as the Spaniard’s destination for the upcoming season.
Despite showing promise during his stint at Williams, Colapinto currently finds himself without a seat for 2025.
The Argentine driver impressed team principal James Vowles and other rivals in the paddock during his F1 debut season.
Colapinto’s performances at Williams, where he replaced Logan Sargeant, have been notable.
He has shown himself to be competitive alongside Alex Albon, further solidifying Williams’ faith in their Driver Academy.
However, the team is now shifting focus to another rising star in their program, Ukrainian driver Oleksandr “Sasha” Bondarev.
Williams announced that Bondarev, a member of their Driver Academy, will compete full-time in the 2025 Italian Formula 4 Championship with PREMA.
Bondarev made his single-seater debut in the final rounds of the 2024 championship, earning strong results, including a top-five finish.
The young driver has demonstrated a seamless transition from karting, where he achieved significant success, including winning the prestigious WSK Champions Cup in 2023.
This victory placed him among the ranks of other notable Williams-affiliated drivers like Logan Sargeant.
Sven Smeets, Williams’ Sporting Director, expressed confidence in Bondarev’s progression, highlighting his growth since joining the academy in 2023.
Smeets stated that Bondarev’s performances in karting and his initial single-seater outings showcase his potential as a future talent.
The team will closely monitor his development in 2025 as he competes in the highly competitive Italian F4 series, with hopes of continued success.
Williams’ strategic moves reflect their commitment to nurturing young talent while also strengthening their Formula 1 lineup with the experienced Sainz.
As the team looks ahead, these changes signal a blend of experience and youth, positioning Williams for a promising future both in Formula 1 and in fostering emerging talent through their Driver Academy.
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