Carlos Sainz Dad explains why son snubbed Audi F1 for...

Carlos Sainz Dad explains why son snubbed Audi F1 for…read more

Carlos Sainz Sr recently explained why his son, Carlos Sainz Jr, decided to move to Williams for the 2025 Formula 1 season, turning down an offer from Audi despite strong connections to the German brand. According to Sainz Sr, the decision came down to the upward trajectory that Williams is currently experiencing.

When it was confirmed that Sainz Jr would not remain with Ferrari beyond 2024, many expected that Audi, with its impending entry into Formula 1 in 2026, would be his next team. The rumors were fueled by Sainz Sr’s relationship with Audi, but Sainz Jr took several weeks to decide before officially announcing his move to Williams in August 2023.

Carlos Sainz Sr revealed that his son’s decision to choose Williams over Audi wasn’t simple. He mentioned that several options were on the table, but ultimately, it was Carlos Jr’s choice to make. “Williams is a project that is going up,” Sainz Sr told Marca. “It’s his decision and we have to respect it. It wasn’t an easy decision, nor a clear one. There were three or four options and in the end, he is the one who has to decide his future, and we support him as much as possible.”

Sainz Sr emphasized his son’s reasoning, suggesting that Williams, despite its current standing as a midfield team, has shown improvement. He pointed out that the team has made noticeable progress in the 2023 season and that both he and his son are optimistic that Williams will continue on this upward path in the coming years. While moving from Ferrari to Williams could be seen as a step down in terms of prestige and competitiveness, Sainz Sr expressed confidence that his son could bring a positive impact to Williams. “Carlos has left a good impression on the teams he has been with, with his work and his know-how,” he said, adding that teams have often improved after Sainz Jr’s arrival, which he believes will be the case with Williams as well.

The elder Sainz further highlighted his son’s professionalism and clarity regarding his career choices. He acknowledged that the 2024 season, Sainz Jr’s final year with Ferrari, had been tough due to uncertainty surrounding his future. Early in the year, rumors about Lewis Hamilton potentially moving to Ferrari added to the complexity, which created additional challenges for his son. As a father, Carlos Sainz Sr mentioned that he and his nephew provided support throughout the decision-making process, though he clarified that his role in his son’s career hasn’t changed over the years.

Sainz Jr’s decision to join Williams for 2025, instead of Audi, was largely driven by the belief that Williams is a team on the rise. Despite leaving Ferrari, a top-tier team, Sainz Jr sees potential in Williams’ project and is confident he can contribute to its progress, a sentiment echoed b his father.