Sainz joining Williams for 2025 season

Carlos Sainz is joining Williams in time for the 2025 F1 season, the team announced Monday.

The Spanish driver is signing a two-year contract with options to extend beyond the 2026 F1 campaign.

"It is no secret that this year's driver market has been exceptionally complex for various reasons and that it has taken me some time to announce my decision," Sainz said in a statement. "However, I am fully confident that Williams is the right place for me to continue my F1 journey and I am extremely proud of joining such a historic and successful team, where many of my childhood heroes drove in the past and made their mark on our sport."

The 29-year-old was in the market for a new seat after Ferrari decided earlier this year to replace him with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2025.

Sainz will race alongside Alex Albon for Williams, replacing the incumbent Logan Sargeant.

Sainz has developed into a solid driver on the grid during his four seasons with Ferrari. He's earned race wins in each of the last three years and racked up 21 podiums since the start of 2021.