Alex Albon has already explained why Carlos Sainz would join Williams in 2025

Carlos Sainz is nearing an announcement on where he will race in F1 from 2025 after it was confirmed the Spaniard would be replaced at Ferrari by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at the end of this season. Seats at top teams Mercedes and Red Bull were up for grabs at one point but the Silver Arrows are leaning toward prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Sergio Perez inked a new two-season contract with the reigning constructors champions this week.

Stake F1, soon to be Audi in 2026, and Williams are now the most likely destinations for the three-time Grand Prix winner, who according to The Objective, has already signed a contract with a team, which will be announced ahead of his home Grand Prix in Spain. The report goes on to state that Williams is the best fit for Sainz given seats at top teams have evaporated and it would see him line up alongside another talented driver, Alex Albon, who has already explained why he decided to stay put with the team, putting pen to paper on new terms.

Albon says Williams is an attractive prospect as F1 prepares to enter a new era in 2026, with suppliers Mercedes expected to produce a top-quality engine to meet the incoming engine regulations, which could play a part in where Sainz decides to race from 2025. "I think Mercedes, time and time again, when it comes to these regulation changes, they seem to be one step ahead of their rivals," Albon said, speaking in an interview with total-motorsport.com.

"Not to say I don’t think other teams will do a good job. But I think it’s at least a safe bet. When you look at maybe the other midfield teams who are bringing in a new power unit, I’m sure they’re going to put in a lot of money to hit the ground running.”

Williams' impressive team principal James Vowles will also be hoping to get his hands on one of the grid's best drivers, Sainz. Logan Sargeant has struggled to flatter for Williams thus far, with the American's stint in F1 set to last just two seasons having scored one championship point.

As was the case in 2023, Williams is relying on Albon to score the team enough points to keep them fighting in the midfield of the constructors' championship. Vowles isn't happy with Williams' current state, though, with there being much room for improvement. Sainz would be another step in the right direction in the Vowles era.

"There is not a single part of this company that I can be satisfied with," Vowles blasted. "We are nowhere near the level of a title-worthy team.

"That may be a harsh statement, but unfortunately, it is the truth. There is still so much to happen and so much to change before we are on the right course.”

Sargeant's fate at Williams will be sealed and the 23-year-old is in line to be replaced. He is likely to have the remainder of the 2024 season to market himself for another seat, with openings at Alpine and Haas.

Sargeant is sure that he will be able to score points in 2024 as soon as he receives the same specification of FW46 as his team-mate, Albon. "Alex getting points is a boost for the team and shows a bit of what is to come," Sargeant said. "Going forward, when both cars have the same spec, we’ll both be able to fight for these opportunities more."