Peter Windsor explains why Carlos Sainz’s post-season Williams test is one of the ‘saddest bits of news’

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Carlos Sainz is set to debut for Williams at the end of the season when he takes part in the Abu Dhabi post-season test with the team.

The Spaniard will switch to the Grove-based outfit over the winter after Ferrari decided to sign seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton as his replacement for 2025.

Williams confirmed Sainz will drive the current FW46 at the post-season test, which happens in the week after the season finale Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The squad said it would offer Sainz the ability to “begin building their relationship” before officially joining together and partnering with Alex Albon next season.

Discussing the news on the Cameron CC podcast, Peter Windsor has explained why he thinks it is one of the ‘saddest bits of news’ amid rumours that he would be considered for a seat elsewhere.

Peter Windsor thinks there is now ‘no chance’ of Carlos Sainz joining Red Bull

When Sainz became a free agent earlier this year, he was one of the most sought-after on the grid having been the only driver to topple Red Bull last season with his win in Singapore.

This was paired with another win at Australia earlier this season when Max Verstappen retired in the opening laps due to a brake failure. Sainz was reportedly in the frame for a seat at Red Bull, however, the team had decided to renew Sergio Perez’s contract earlier this year.

That now looks in doubt after Perez’s poor performances have caused them to slip behind McLaren and Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship. Christian Horner was spotted speaking to James Vowles about Sainz for a potential 2025 deal, but Windsor thinks the early outing with Williams confirms one thing for 2025.

“One of the saddest bits of news is that he’s going to be in the Williams in Abu Dhabi test. That means any chance of going to Red Bull is over and he’s going to be in that Williams. What a ridiculous waste of a talented driver,” said Windsor.

Will Carlos Sainz regret not joining Audi?

Despite having Sainz as their main target to partner Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber and Audi have gone with Gabriel Bortoleto after missing out on the Spaniard.

Sauber’s miserable campaign in 2024 is unlikely to have brought any enthusiasm around their project, especially as it is not guaranteed that Audi will be competitive when they take over the team in 2026.

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

However, the team has generated some interest after Audi recently secured backing from Qatar, some of the world’s wealthiest investors.

Carlos Sainz Sr told his son ‘a thousand times’ Audi has potential, and the investment will enable them to build their infrastructure quicker than Williams plans in the next few years.