Sainz Ranked As Number Two Driver On F1 Grid By Williams Team Principal

Wednesday, 31 July 2024 at 16:00

James Vowles, who signed Carlos Sainz just a few days ago, asserted he believes the Spaniard might be the second-best driver on the F1 grid.

Following the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz announced his new contract, and it is now clear he will drive for Williams Racing in 2025.

The 29-year-old had been prolonging his decision for a long time because he wanted to prioritize teams that could offer him a championship-contending car immediately.

However, neither of those teams had the Spanish driver on their priority list for some reason. Williams's team principal, James Vowles, feels he has achieved a huge thing by bringing Sainz into his team.

At the same time, he suggests he doesn't understand why Red Bull wouldn't want to sign such a talented and experienced driver. As reported by Crash.net, he said:

"When you're in Red Bull's position where you've got a constructors' championship at risk. It's a hard decision, but yes, I would have Carlos alongside Max."

Read also

Vasseur's Heartwarming Response To Sainz's Announcement Of Contract With Williams

Yes [I was surprised that they didn't sign him], is the short answer to it because I rate him as one of the top four if not at times the number two driver on the grid.

There are currently three multiple World Champions on the grid (Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Fernando Alosno) and multiple up-and-coming young super talents.

Consequently, Vowles saying that Sainz is sometimes the second best is a huge statement and a vote of confidence for the 29-year-old.

Although it would be interesting to hear who the Williams team principal believes to be the number one driver, he did not mention that. However, he further explained why he values the current Ferrari driver so much.

"Why wouldn't you want that in your stable? My view of things is that fundamentally competitors are getting closer and closer so the marginal difference that a driver can make. I don't just mean in performance terms."