'Carlos Sainz's reputation could soon be DAMAGED by switch to Williams'

Options for Sainz were limited. Aside from Mercedes, none of the top teams had available seats, and it seemed Mercedes' plans and timeline did not align with Sainz's, according to Slater. Thus, he was left with three choices: Williams, Alpine, or Sauber, which will become Audi in 2026. In the end, he went for the British racing team. Although Slater acknowledged right now the team aren't performing as well, there is potential in the future: "It's not a great short term option based on current form. And I think that has been uppermost in Carlos' mind. I think he is conscious of the fact that some of these projects you get in F1 for a driver at least can be damaging in the short term to your reputation. You can very quickly go from hero to zero," he said.

"I actually do think as well as admiring the project and it's a great coup for Williams, I think his opinion is 'Next year, I will look best in the Williams. I've got the best opportunity for good results in that car'," Slater added. 

Could Williams become a stronger team in 2026?

Nevertheless, for Collins, she believes one key factor influenced his decision: the engine. In 2026, new regulations will come into Formula 1, which the former race strategist believes will be important. "I've got no insight into Carlos' decision, but looking further ahead to 2026 with the proposed new regulations that are coming in, that's going to put the focus much more on the engine," she said. "We don't know which engine provider Alpine are going to go with. We know Audi is coming in for the first time in what is currently Sauber, and we know that Williams will stay with Mercedes."

As of now, Williams sit ninth in the Constructors. Yet, McLaren, who are also a customer of Mercedes, are second. The Silver Arrows themselves sit fourth. With Williams knowing they will be supplied with a Mercedes engine for 2026, it makes them the most secure option for Sainz, given Alpine is unsure yet, which could be risky. "I think the majority of us consider the Mercedes engine would be the strongest given what we saw in 2014 when we had a new engine regulation. So the expectation is that even if it's not up for podiums or wins or strong points in every race next year, the potentially 2026 brings an opportunity and that's maybe only one year of lost results. I think it's that sort of slightly more forward sight on Carlos' behalf," she concluded.