F1 News
Vowles wants deal with Ferrari to grant Sainz earlier move to the team
- Jeroen Immink
Currently, Franco Colapinto drives for Williams as a temporary replacement for Logan Sargeant, but the Argentine already knows he may make way for Carlos Sainz after the next eight races. The Spaniard will then become Alexander Albon's teammate at the British Formula One team. Team principal James Vowles has commented on the future of both drivers.
Following the Dutch Grand Prix, James Vowles decided to make the call to replace Logan Sargeant at his team. By then it was already known that Sainz would be joining Williams for next season, which means Colapinto knows he may only compete for a number of Grand Prix.
Vowles: 'There are still spots available'
"As a part of the Academy, our responsibility is to work with him, with his teams around him as well, to where your future lies. And there are opportunities in other racing series. As I said, depending on how he performs, the future, to a certain extent, is in his hands. And what I mean by that is, if he performs exceptionally well, clearly he'll remain here as a reserved driver," Vowles said of Colapinto.
"So, no one here around this table knows what opportunities exist in any of the teams in 2025 or 2026, in truth. So, you're investing in someone that I think will have opportunity. And there are still seats available on the grid as well," the Williams team principal added.
Vowles hopes to have Sainz in before Abu Dhabi test
After the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, testing traditionally takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit. Sainz - who has signed a multi-year deal at Williams - will still be under contract to Ferrari then, but Vowles hopes to have the Spaniard behind the wheel of the FW46 by then. "We have to still agree terms with Ferrari. He's under contract with Ferrari until the end of 2024. However, I hope you see him in the car in Abu Dhabi."
This article has been created in collaboration with Jenny Garnett.
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15 September 2024
