F1 News: Williams in Talks to Secure Carlos Sainz from Ferrari Early

Carlos Sainz is poised to make a significant move to Williams in 2025, marking the end of his tenure with Ferrari.

Although his current contract with Ferrari runs until the end of this year, Williams team principal James Vowles is reportedly in discussions with Ferrari to allow Sainz to test for Williams at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi after the season concludes.

Speaking on the matter, Vowles told the media :

"We have to still agree terms with Ferrari. He's under contract with Ferrari until the end of 2024. However, I hope you see him in the car in Abu Dhabi."

Sainz secured his future with Williams just before the summer break, a decision that came after months of speculation.

His departure from Ferrari will make way for Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join the team next year after announcing his move from Mercedes earlier this year.

Typically, Formula 1 teams conduct testing sessions following the final race of the season. Vowles aims to have Sainz contribute to the development of the 2025 car.

However, Sainz's existing contract with Ferrari limits his ability to participate in these tests. Vowles is working to negotiate an early release for Sainz after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In the meantime, Williams has made changes to its lineup due to Logan Sargeant's struggles this season. F2 driver Franco Colapinto has stepped in as Sargeant's replacement for the remainder of 2024.

Colapinto faced challenges in his debut race, starting from 18th but finishing 12th, and now has eight races to prove himself.

Vowles has indicated that Colapinto's performance will determine his future, whether as a reserve driver or potentially with another team, such as Sauber, which will transition to Audi in 2026.

Vowles added:

"As a part of the Academy, our responsibility is to work with him, with his teams around him as well, to where your future lies. And there are opportunities in other racing series.

"As I said, depending on how he performs, the future, to a certain extent, is in his hands. And what I mean by that is, if he performs exceptionally well, clearly he'll remain here as a reserved driver.

"So, no one here around this table knows what opportunities exist in any of the teams in 2025 or 2026, in truth. So, you're investing in someone that I think will have opportunity. And there are still seats available on the grid as well."

The next few races will be crucial for Colapinto as he seeks to secure his place in the sport.