Carlos Sainz has taken a huge risk by agreeing to a multi-year deal with Williams. After months of speculation, the Spaniard is committed to a team building a strictly long-term project. Because of this, Sainz should be pragmatic about what can be achieved next year.
Williams focused on 2026 and beyond
James Vowles has generated immense excitement about the Williams project since becoming team principal.
The former Mercedes strategist has shown a clear vision for the Grove-based operation. Thanks to consistent investment from owners, Dorilton Capital, Williams are making much-needed improvements to their infrastructure.
In combination with the acquisition of top personnel, Vowles is confident Williams can progress.
However, the British engineer’s hopes are predominantly on 2026 and 2027 – rather than the next eighteen months.
Vowles made this clear when the Carlos Sainz deal was announced:
“When people ask me – ‘Are you happy or unhappy with 2024?’ I don’t care.
“I hate to say it, but it doesn’t mean anything for me. I love scoring points in Monaco, but I’m really excited by what we have coming up in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
“As that’s where we’re investing our time and resources.”
Carlos Sainz to reassess in 2026
In many ways, next year will be a transitional season for Sainz
After missing out on his ideal destinations (Red Bull and Mercedes), Sainz must brace himself for the midfield scrap.
This adjustment will not be an easy one, given Sainz has won races every year since 2022. However, the immediate future is not the real test of whether Williams was the correct choice for the future.
Instead, the team’s performance when the new 2026 regulations will be the deciding factor.
As Aston Martin and McLaren have shown, being a customer team is not a limiting factor in modern F1.
Considering that Mercedes are expected to produce a top-quality engine in 2026, Williams should have a good foundation.
The factory in Grove are already prioritising development for 2026.
James Vowles’ aim for next season is to produce a reasonable car, but nothing more. It is not until the new regulations arrive that his project will be heavily scrutinised.
This is also when Carlos Sainz can more clearly assess the team’s chances of becoming front-runners.
