Why Williams is the best option for Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz remains without a contract for the 2025 Formula 1 season and may have only two options.

Williams and Sauber seem to be the Spaniard's choices after he makes way for the incoming Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.

Sainz's options don't seem that appealing, with Williams and Sauber sitting ninth and 10th in the Constructors' Championship, floundering at the foot of the table. 

The British team scored nin th place in Monaco, with Alex Albon taking only two points this season.

Meanwhile, Sauber is yet to score in 2024 and has suffered operationally with prolonged pit stops, much to the frustration of drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.

They will be taken over by German giant Audi in 2026 as Formula 1 brings in a new set of innovative regulations.

Although driving for a manufacturer may be tempting for Sainz, little is known about their project. It includes the added responsibility of an engine developed in-house by a manufacturer that has never competed in F1.

Williams seems a slightly better option and has improved in recent years, becoming a regular challenger for points, but victories and podium finishes feel a long way away.

They haven't won a Grand Prix since Pastor Maldonado won the Spanish Grand Prix in 2012, an d points rather than wins are mostly seen as good results for the team.

That is not to say the Formula 1 team with the fifth-most victories in history lacks ambition, and they have steadily improved since hitting rock bottom in 2019.

The Williams FW46 car is more of an all-rounder than its predecessors, designed to be rocketships on low downforce circuits such as Spa and Monza.

This allows Albon and American Logan Sargeant to be more competitive on various circuits rather than a few power-dependent venues.

If Sainz were to join Williams, he would likely become teammates with Thai driver Albon, replacing Sargeant, who has struggled during his 18-month stint at the highest level.

The Thai driver has found a home at Williams and honed his craft after be ing brutally outclassed by Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2019 and 2020.

Sainz and Albon would represent an experienced lineup with blistering raw speed, a good mix to build from ahead of tackling the new rules in 2026.

The Spaniard is adamant that he will decide on his future quickly in the news conference ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

"A decision will be made very soon, I don't want to wait any longer as it is taking space out of my head so soon we will have things to talk about," Sainz said. "I'm still not sure one way or another, I am discussing with my team and I just need a couple of days back home. I haven't had time to sit down and take a decision and this is what I will target in the next few weeks."