Lawrence Barretto says F1 driver had ‘contract in place’ to join Williams before Carlos Sainz move

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The Formula 1 driver’s market has been busier and more unpredictable this season than many would have predicted at the beginning of the year.

Lewis Hamilton made the game-changing decision to join Ferrari in 2025 and that set off a chain reaction of events that have led to only three teams retaining their driver partnership for next year so far.

With Hamilton’s move confirmed, all eyes turned to Carlos Sainz who was suddenly out of a drive at the end of the season.

Sainz is an extremely strong driver to suddenly be on the market in Formula 1 and unsurprisingly he had plenty of suitors.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s life outside F1 from full name, girlfriend and height

Alpine made a late play for Sainz and Sauber appeared very keen on Sainz as they prepared for their transition to Audi.

However, Sainz ended up deciding to join Williams and alongside Alex Albon is set to form one of the strongest partnerships in the midfield.

However, speaking on the F1 Nation Podcast, journalist Lawrence Barretto explained a scenario that could have seen things go very differently.

Team principal James Vowles worked on signing Sainz for months but knew he needed a backup plan.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Williams Racing from team principal to Mercedes relationship

Franco Colapinto hadn’t yet been handed his chance in Formula 1 in place of Logan Sargeant which potentially would have given Vowles another option to think about.

Instead, Vowles was deep in conversation with Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas and a move came so close that a contract had been put in place in case Sainz decided to choose another team in the paddock.

Valtteri Bottas had ‘contract in place’ to join Williams next year before Carlos Sainz deal

Talking about the driver situation at Williams, Barretto said: “It’s going to be super annoying that Colapinto is doing such a great job because he’s come through the Williams program, the Driver Academy, and you know what?

“If it was different and he had a seat available, I’m sure James would keep him if he continues in this trajectory.

“But that’s the beauty of Formula One though, isn’t it, in that you’ve got to stand by your decisions.

“In an alternate reality, if Carlos had said no and James Vowles had run out of time, I’m pretty sure he would have signed Valtteri Bottas, to be honest, because I think he was there was a contract in place if Carlos didn’t sign that, Valtteri was ready to go there.

READ MORE: Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas’ life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin

“Colapinto has made it really difficult for James now, because he genuinely faces the prospect of not being on the grid next year, which is remarkable given how well he’s doing this year and how great a talent he is.”

Valtteri Bottas looks set to stay in Formula 1 in 2025 despite Williams snub

Williams are going into 2025 in a strong position and Colapinto’s fantastic start has proven how competitive they can be with two quality drivers.

Sainz is on another level to the young Argentinian and with the right developments over the winter, they could be the strongest midfield team in the final year before F1’s regulations change.

Bottas has been on plenty of team shortlists this year but now only one seat remains if he wishes to stay on the grid next year.

Sauber initially seemed reluctant to continue with Bottas but a change in senior management appears to have offered him a lifeline.

Bottas now looks set to be confirmed by Sauber as part of a double driver announcement for next year.

He’ll have one of the most competitive young drivers in recent times sitting and waiting as a reserve driver in 2025, which will put more pressure on the Finn to perform and potentially end his long wait to score a world championship point.