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Williams F1 team principal James Vowles has expressed his desire for Carlos Sainz to make his debut with the team during the post-season test after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, Vowles also detailed an obstacle that may prevent the early debut.
Following Lewis Hamilton's bombshell announcement to join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025, Sainz became one of the most valuable free agents in the driver market. He ultimately decided to join Williams, signing a multi-year deal with the team led by Vowles.
The Williams team principal is eager to have Sainz behind the wheel of the FW46 during the post-season test after the Abu Dhabi GP, which is set for December 6-8. However, Vowles acknowledged the contractual hurdles, as Sainz remains under contract with Ferrari until the end of 2024.
The 45-year-old team principal hopes to negotiate with Ferrari to release Sainz for the post-season test.
"We still have to agree terms with Ferrari, he’s under contract at Ferrari until the end of 2024. However, I do hope to see him in the car in Abu Dhabi," He was quoted as saying by RacingNews365.com.
The post-season test, which usually takes place the week after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, requires teams to allocate one car to a young driver with fewer than two Grand Prix starts. The other car is reserved for F1 drivers to participate in the Pirelli tire test.
The post-season test provides a valuable opportunity for drivers who are transitioning to new teams to familiarize themselves with their new environment. In the 2022 test, Pierre Gasly drove for Alpine, and Fernando Alonso drove for Aston Martin before their team switches. If Ferrari agrees to release Sainz for the test, the 30-year-old will have the chance to don Williams' colors for the first time.
Ferrari boss hails "mega-professional" Carlos Sainz
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur praised Carlos Sainz for his professionalism throughout his final season with the team. Vasseur also highlighted Sainz's contributions on their road to recovery in 2023, including his pole position at Monza and his victory at the Singapore GP.
Vasseur emphasized that the 30-year-old's standout performances in the latter half of the season pushed Charles Leclerc to elevate his game, resulting in both drivers delivering strong results.
"I have huge respect for Carlos, for what he did for the team in the last years, but mainly the last two years with me [as team boss]," he was quoted as saying by Formula1.com.
"He was clearly part of the recovery of the team last year and this season he’s doing a very good job. I know perfectly that the situation was not easy at the beginning of the season, but he’s mega-professional. We had a discussion last winter and we agreed together to push until the last corner of the last lap [of the season] and he’s doing very well," he added.
Sainz joined Ferrari in 2021 and has secured three victories and five pole positions during his tenure with the team. Vasseur also hinted at the possibility of a future collaboration with the Spaniard if the opportunity presents itself.
