Former Williams F1 deputy team principal Claire Williams has revealed that she tried to sign Carlos Sainz during her time in charge of the team. Sainz is preparing for his first season as a Williams driver having been forced to make way for seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari for F1 2025.

The three suitors were Williams, Alpine and Sauber. At the time, the latter was rooted to the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship standings with no points, but the promise of significant investment under the Audi motorsport umbrella in 2026 made them an intriguing proposition.

Carlos Sainz crashed out of the Australian Grand Prix under safety car conditions in a chaotic start to the 2025 F1 season. Sainz, who moved to Williams from Ferrari in the off-season, was making his way around the final turn of this 14-turn circuit while the pack followed the safety car after Jack Doohan ’s crash on lap one.