The Formula 1 team Williams has completed its driver line-up for 2025. Carlos Sainz is coming from Ferrari. This also means that Mick Schumacher loses an option.
Carlos Sainz will drive for the traditional British team Williams in Formula 1 from next year. The 29-year-old Spaniard, who will have to vacate his place at Ferrari after this season for record world champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, signed a contract with the Grove-based racing team until the end of 2026 – with options for an extension. Williams announced this one day after the last race before the summer break in the premier class of motorsport.
Sainz was also one of the candidates for a regular place at other teams – such as Mercedes. “It’s no secret that the driver market is exceptionally complex this year for various reasons. That’s why it took a while before I could announce the decision,” said Sainz.
Starting next season, Sainz will drive alongside Alex Albon (28), who is competing for Thailand and has a long-term commitment to Williams. Sainz will be replaced at Williams by the unsuccessful and much-criticized US driver Logan Sargeant.
Where could Mick Schumacher stay?
For Mick Schumacher, who is Mercedes’ reserve driver and works for Alpine in the endurance program, a potential position for the coming season is lost. There are not many regular cockpits left for the 25-year-old. Kick Sauber, which will become an Audi factory team in 2026, has not yet announced its second driver alongside Nico Hülkenberg (Haas). Alpine has so far only confirmed Pierre Gasly from France.
A promotion at Mercedes as George Russell’s future teammate is unlikely. The gap after Hamilton’s departure could be filled by young talent Kimi Antonelli (17), who currently drives in Formula 2.
Victories are becoming a distant prospect for Sainz
For Sainz, Williams is a step backwards, but a place at a top team was not free for him. With Ferrari, he can still fight for victories and podium places, but with the British team led by team boss James Vowles, the three-time Grand Prix winner from Madrid is primarily concerned with rebuilding with a view to the 2026 season.
There is also hope that a powerful Mercedes engine will be used to launch a new Formula 1 era. With the regulatory revolution in 2026, the electric share of hybrid drives will increase to up to 50 percent, and the combustion engines will have to run entirely on sustainable fuel.
Source: Stern
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
