Williams’ James Vowles reveals key reason for signing Carlos Sainz

James Vowles explained that Carlos Sainz was the right choice for Williams' future in F1.

Williams’ James Vowles reveals key reason for signing Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz and James Vowles (via IMAGO)

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, who had no seat for the future, shocked the world by signing a multi-year contract with Williams. Team principal James Vowles revealed why he wanted to sign the Spaniard as their driver. Earlier, Sainz was also linked to many teams including Mercedes, Alpine. However, the 29-year-old decided his future destination for his stay in F1.

James Vowles explained that when he was looking for a driver, he wasn’t just looking for someone who could drive fast. He wanted a driver who had the qualities of a leader to lead his team towards success and work together. Vowles stated he needed someone who could create an environment that supported strong performance. The 45-year-old mentioned that Carlos Sainz is a driver with all these qualities so there was no better option than him for the role as a leader in his team.

I needed a leader, not just someone who is quick in the car. I wanted everything around them to be just right in order to create performance. Carlos has that.
James Vowles told Formula1.com
YouTube video

Vowles pointed out that if you observe each team Sainz had performed, there’s something important to be noticeable. At the beginning of his time with each team, they were not in the best position. However, as the season came to an end, the team had improved significantly. He demonstrated that the Spaniard has a proven track record of making a positive difference. This difference made the team end the team in a better place than they started.

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If you look at every team he’s gone to – look at where they started and where they finished. You’ll see he has a history of ending in a much better place in the team than when he started.
James Vowles stated.
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James Vowles would’ve had no regrets if Carlos Sainz joined a rival team

James Vowles mentioned that he had talks and meetings with Carlos Sainz from very long time. If things hadn’t worked out with Sainz and he had decided not to join, Vowles would have been okay with that. He believed it’s important to make every effort to bring the best people into the organization, even if it meant facing uncertainties. Therefore, the 45-year-old reckoned he wouldn’t have felt regretful about his efforts, no matter the outcome.

If it had gone the other way, I still would have no regrets. You have to do what it takes in order to get the right people in the organization.
James Vowles stated.
Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz, image via IMAGO

Further, Vowles mentioned that it was hard to know what might have happened if things had turned out differently. He couldn’t be sure of the outcome if Sainz hadn’t joined the team. However, the team principal believed that all the effort and hard work he put into trying to bring the Spaniard on board had been worthwhile. Despite not knowing the alternative outcome, Vowles felt that the work has been valuable and he is satisfied with the results.

It’s hard to know the alternative side if it hadn’t happened – but all the work was worth it.
James Vowles added.

Certainly, James Vowles expressed the values he wanted in a driver to drive for his team. He mentioned that he wouldn’t have regretted if Sainz hadn’t joined, because he at least gave the move a chance. However, Vowles is now happy to have the Spaniard on board and looks forward to 2025, aiming for success there.

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