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Carlos Sainz has been warned to keep an eye on the younger and cheaper option in Franco Colapinto being available for Williams as he joins the squad next season. The Spaniard took the call to join the British team after being replaced by Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season.
Sainz was taken by surprise early in the year when Ferrari announced that it was signing Lewis Hamilton for 2025. The Spaniard was in discussion with the Italian team for an extension, but when the seven-time world champion was on the market, no team would decline such a proposition.
Once the news of Hamilton joining Ferrari was made public, Carlos Sainz had the option from multiple teams on the F1 grid, and he finally took the plunge with Williams. The Grove-based team has recently given the opportunity to the young Argentinian Franco Colapinto, who replaced Logan Sargeant mid-season. Colapinto has proven to be a revelation because of his impressive pace and racing acumen.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner feels Carlos Sainz needs to look over his shoulder at Williams, especially since Franco Colapinto is a cheaper and younger option for the team. Discussing the same on the Red Flag podcast, he said (via Crash.net):
“Williams will look, next year, when Carlos is driving the other car, then see where Alex is. If they are equal they will say: ‘We have Colapinto, he is 10 years younger than these guys and costs a lot less money but he hasn’t got a drive’," he said.
Further discussing the young Argentine's racing prowess, Steiner added:
"It’s a good position to be in. I am sure they will try to find a place for him. People will be looking at him. He has had a few little accidents but, boom, he puts it in the right spot again time-wise.”
Williams doesn't regret signing Carlos Sainz according to Steiner
When questioned if Williams regrets signing Carlos Sainz since it has a Franco Colapinto within the ranks, Guenther Steiner felt that's not the case. He suggested that the experienced Spaniard could help bring in new people to the squad.
Steiner further speculated that Willams could try to fit Colapinto at Audi next season, saying (via the aforementioned source)
“I don’t think they regret having someone like Sainz. It’s always good for a team. It is obviously a big help, he attracts other people. James Vowles can be proud of finding Colapinto. But why did he find him three months too late? I would try to give him to Audi. I have no idea if they want him or not. He has shown that he can do it, so why not? Otherwise there are not a lot of options," Steiner said.
Carlos Sainz has been signed on a multi-year contract with Williams. With the team on an upward trajectory, it looks like Sainz might have made the right call. With that being said, Franco Colapinto's involvement in the situation will be the one to keep an eye on.
