Father remains 'still disappointed' over Audi rejection - Sainz
"I hope he will soon be pleased that I chose Williams"
By GMM
16 March 2025 - 11:46
Carlos Sainz acknowledges that his father is "still disappointed" with his choice to decline Audi’s offer for 2025 and beyond. The 30-year-old driver decided to join Williams, another midfield team that made a notable impression during the pre-season Bahrain test, achieving the fastest overall time.
"This caught us off guard as well," Sainz said with a smile. "However, the happiness within the team is even more significant than the fastest time. Everyone is putting in extra effort now. We are heading to Australia with some optimism," added the four-time grand prix winner.
Sainz's decision to accept the offer from Williams went against the advice and encouragement of his renowned father, Carlos Sainz senior.
Sainz senior, aged 62, is a former world rally champion who also enjoyed considerable success with Audi at the Dakar rally, winning the prestigious off-road event just last year.
"My father is still disappointed that I didn’t accept the excellent offer from Audi," Sainz was quoted as saying by Blick newspaper.
"After my aspiration to move to Red Bull or Mercedes fell through, I had to choose among Audi, Alpine, and Williams. After visiting the factories and engaging in discussions, my instincts immediately guided me to Williams. They are focused on a brighter future.
"And when my heart echoed that sentiment, the decision was clear. Now I hope my father, who had wonderful experiences with Audi, will soon be content with my choice of Williams."
Mattia Binotto, the overall F1 chief for Sauber-Audi, recognizes that the team’s drivers for 2025 - Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto - are unlikely to earn points in Melbourne.
"If everything unfolds as we anticipate, the two McLarens, Ferraris, Red Bulls, and Mercedes, along with Sainz and (Pierre) Gasly, will fill the ten scoring positions," the Italian forecasts.
Sauber had a challenging 2024 season, finishing at the bottom of the standings, just behind Williams.
"A quick points-scoring result would certainly benefit our team," Binotto remarked.
As for Sainz, former F1 leader Bernie Ecclestone believes he will significantly influence Williams.
"Ferrari will regret letting him go," the 94-year-old stated to Blick.
"Carlos is already proving his value at Williams. It was the same in my era - when you place one of the top five drivers in a team with a mediocre car, a surprise is bound to happen."
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Father remains 'still disappointed' over Audi rejection - Sainz
Formula 1 | Carlos Sainz acknowledges that his father remains disappointed after the dismissed Ferrari driver rejected Audi's proposal for 2025 and later. The 30-year-old (…)