Speculations over Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams for 2025 are gaining traction. The Ferrari driver is without a seat for 2025, and the options left are narrowing as other drivers finalize their destinations. Opportunistically, Williams Team Principal James Vowles declared Sainz their “number one target” during the Canadian GP weekend. But the talks seem to have advanced more than made known to fans.

In the span of one week, both Red Bull and Mercedes shut their doors for Sainz’s entry. While the reigning World Champions renewed Sergio Perez with a 2-year extension, the Silver Arrows revealed F2 prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli suits their ‘re-inventive’ plans over the Spaniard. With all the top teams out of the picture, Sainz was left with Audi and Williams.

At such a junction, James Vowles heaped praises on the 29-year-old in Canada. Furthermore, he claimed that any team “would be fortunate” to have him driving for them. The Briton implicitly made it known that Logan Sargeant wouldn’t be a part of Williams’ 2025 lineup. Moreover, a fresh development by AMuS reporter Michal Schmidt claims that Vowles has already offered a 4-year contract to the soon-to-depart Ferrari driver. It is structured in a 2+2 year format, with Carlos Sainz having the option to depart after 2026 if his expectations aren’t met.

Responding to Vowles’ flowery words in Canada, all Sainz could give was some appreciation in return but not a concrete answer. But if he does sign this contract, his other prospect, Audi, would be left to hang dry.

What would Carlos Sainz’s Williams move mean for Audi?

The newfound potential pairing of Carlos Sainz and Williams is already a hit with fans and experts. F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham even explained how Sainz’s combination with James Vowles would turn out much more successful than a potential Audi drive. But what this prediction misses is the difference in Audi’s pursuit of the Spaniard compared to Williams’.

Over a week ago, the Ferrari driver revealed how he’d prefer to join a team that values him over just considering the performance criteria. Evidently, he didn’t get this at Ferrari, as they jumped at the first chance to sign Lewis Hamilton. However, Audi has prioritized Sainz’s needs since they announced him as their top target. Compared to them, Williams is a very new entrant in the race for Sainz’s signature. Despite Audi’s efforts, he probably finds something missing in their proposal, which is delaying his decision.

With the German manufacturers already having signed a German driver, Nick Hulkenberg, on a 3-year deal, Sainz’s acceptance would be the cherry on top. In case he declines the offer, Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas would be their successive prospects. Williams would get their dream team, but Audi might end up disappointed. What’s your take on Sainz’s move? Share your thoughts below.