If you've ever asked yourself "what really happened during Carlos' contract negotiations?" and "how much do we really know about it?" - this is for you!
I compiled all the relevant quotes and bites from the assorted podcasts, interviews and press conferences, made a handy timeline, and presented it oh-so nicely. Now, all the information about the "secret meetings" in "various hotel locations" can be found in one place! Enjoyđ
Chosen sources: Full list in the last slide!
How Sainz Will Turbocharge Williams - with James Vowles | F1 Nation Podcast (5 August 2024), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zodLL9POfeE.
EXCLUSIVE: Late nights, secret meetings and colossal contracts â James Vowles on how he signed Sainz (29 July 2024), Â https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/exclusive-late-nights-secret-meetings-and-colossal-contracts-james-vowles-on.2KTdZFiYOsMCIRT6GdRlLA.
âHe's an incredible driverâ â Vowles says Sainz is top of Williams shortlist for 2025 (7 June 2024), https://www.formula1.com/en/video/hes-an-incredible-driver-vowles-says-sainz-is-top-of-williams-shortlist-for-2025.1801235335357520279.
Sainz poised to announce F1 deal with Williams in Barcelona (June 2024), https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/06/20/sainz-poised-to-announce-f1-deal-with-williams-in-barcelona/.
Vowles has his âheart setâ on signing Sainz as he says âodds are in my favourâ for Williams to secure him (29 July 2024), Â https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/vowles-has-his-heart-set-on-signing-sainz-as-he-says-odds-are-in-my-favour.6tOC9hN3OfIO24JLvY8JMm.
Vowles describes 'emotional reaction' from Williams team to Sainz signing as 'largest I've ever seen' (8 August 2024), Â https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/vowles-describes-emotional-reaction-from-williams-team-to-sainz-signing-as.3THrWsaiypWlASRFJhkztP.
Sainz believes Williams can make an F1 performance leap akin to McLaren with their âvery strong projectâ (August 2024), https://www.pitdebrief.com/post/sainz-believes-williams-can-make-an-f1-performance-leap-akin-to-mclaren-with-their-very-strong-project/.
James Vowles: On The Right Track With Albon + Sainz | F1 Beyond The Grid Podcast (2 October 2024), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMyUNzNETuk.
Carlos Sainz: Pain, Pride + Potential | F1 Beyond The Grid Podcast (4 December 2024), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26PsKeH_ytA.
Carlos Sainzâs First Day at HQ! | No Place Like Grove (4 February 2025), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzJjy24Ix1M.
I'm genuinely still thinking about the fact that Alex Albon mentions having to give Charles a kiss and James Vowels immediately going, "speaking of Charles," only to bring up Carlos in the next breath.
alex has lost all patience with strategy blunders now that he knows what it's like to have a good strategist at williams (carlos)
This part of Team Torque's podcast
The Carbono karting days lore is too cute, too wholesome. I must protect them
Carlosâ instagram story â Imola GP, media day
Go Carlos Go!
Fining a driver for being late to a National Anthem an eye watering amount (20x the maximum fine for breaching the pit lane speed limit) is already quite something, but when you take into account that:
Said driver was late due to a medical issue personally attested to by an official Med-Ex doctor;
Who found the medical issue serious enough to require prescription medication to treat symptoms; and
Said driver is the new director of the GPDA (an association that specifically exists to promote the safety of Grand Prix drivers) -
- we have reached a level of irony so comedic one would be forgiven for thinking this would happen in a fanfiction rather than reality.
Yet the FIA have once again surpassed all expectations.
f1 Lights. Camera. Action! đŹ #F1TheMovie
Our drivers got to enjoy a private screening of @/F1Movie in Monaco! đż
I feel like a father trying to keep my pretty baby girl carlos away from a boy i dont approve đđ