James Vowles says Carlos Sainz has ‘all the potential’ to become a successful F1 team principal

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James Vowles believes Carlos Sainz has ‘all the potential’ to become a successful F1 team principal in the future due to his impressive leadership skills.

A transition from the cockpit to the pit wall can be a relatively natural step for F1 drivers during the final stage of their active driving career, given their experience with the inner workings of a team’s trackside schedule.

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While none of the current crop of team principals on the F1 grid managed to reach the same heights as a competitor, there have been a multitude of drivers who have tried their hand at both sides of the coin.

Sir Jack Brabham remains the only one who has managed to win success on both fronts. The three-time world champion founded his self-titled F1 outfit during the height of his career, and secured back-to-back constructors’ titles in 1966 and 1967.

• READ MORE: Bend it like Brabham: When an F1 team pushed the limits of ground effects for one race in 1978

James Vowles thinks Carlos Sainz is more than capable of being a successful F1 team principal in the future

Speaking via Diario AS, Vowles touched on Sainz’s impressive qualities as a team leader within Williams’ F1 setup at Grove, and noted how the Spaniard is an integral part of the team’s success.

He said, “Carlos is an incredible guy; he never dwells on mistakes, he doesn’t attack, and he doesn’t place blame. In my opinion, the true test of a leader isn’t when things are going well, but when they aren’t. It’s in those moments that you learn so much more.”

Vowles then explained how Sainz’s qualities would make him the perfect candidate for the role of team principal. Of course, the 31-year-old still has several years’ worth of driving left in him, but it could be an opportunity for him in the future.

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“Even if he doesn’t want to admit it, I’d give him my job,” he added. “He’s absolutely fantastic and very good at leading a team. I think he has all the potential for it, without a doubt. There’s a bit of help we need to give him, but he has the ability to make it happen.”

Sainz then responded to Vowles’ comments with, “I’ve been thinking about it, about whether I’d like a role like that. I don’t know, I don’t know where I’ll be in life.”

• READ MORE: Carlos Sainz ‘happy’ with F1 rule changes for Miami but expects ‘other things’ still need tweaking

Carlos Sainz has been tipped to move away from Williams after a disappointing start to 2026

After a very impressive maiden season with Williams last year, which saw him claim two podiums for the British constructor, Sainz has been frustrated with Grove’s slow start to the proceedings in 2026.

As such, the four-time Grand Prix winner has been tipped to find himself a seat at a top F1 team instead, with Guenther Steiner highlighting Sainz as the perfect candidate for any of the ten other outfits on the grid.

Before the Spaniard put pen to paper for Williams ahead of the 2025 term, he also had an offer to be one of the leading figures in Audi’s introduction to the sport as a fully-fledged constructor.

While Sainz may be kicking himself for not taking the Germans up on their offer, he still has the potential to secure a seat there if Nico Hulkenberg opts to call it a day on his F1 career sometime soon.