Carlos Sainz has asserted that he will not be rushed into deciding on his Formula 1 prospects despite Williams boss James Vowles making a public pitch to sign him.
Sainz has been weighing up his available options ever since it was announced that he will vacate his current Ferrari seat once this term concludes for Lewis Hamilton.
The Spaniard is known to be the Sauber/Audi venture’s top target, but it emerged last month that Williams is also having discussions with Sainz and his management.
Vowles has revealed that Sainz is Williams’ definitive number-one candidate to partner Alex Albon and spoke in glowing terms about what he would bring to the team.
Meanwhile, the Briton also outlined the work going on behind the scenes to return the Grove-based squad back to the top as he stepped up his desire to attract Sainz.
But while Sainz appreciated Vowles’ flattering comments Vowles, the three-time grand prix winner insisted that such an open approach will not accelerate his choice.
“I appreciate obviously James’ interest and kind words that he has always towards me,” he said. “The same can be said about how I feel towards him and his team.
“But the reality is that I haven’t made up my mind yet about where I’m going to go next year because, as I said in the press conference the other day, I’m too focused.
“Right now, my head is too focused on every weekend that we’re doing. Weekend in, weekend out, I’m fighting for podiums or wins.
“So it’s very difficult to put your mind in the future when you have such an important weekend coming up all the time.
“I’m going to need some time to sit down with my management, with myself, have a conversation with myself and then decide where I want to go.
“But right now, there’s nothing decided.”
Asked whether he was willing to wait until the summer break or wanted his 2025 destination settled prior to then, Sainz responded: “I don’t know.
“I don’t know if I can wait or if the decision will come earlier. I honestly don’t know at this point in time.”
Vowles believes Williams even attempting to bring a multiple-time race winner on board demonstrates that Williams has “changed our approach” under his leadership.
“We want two world-class drivers to be a part of our stable going forward,” he added to Sky Sports F1.
“We want the world to realise that we’re here and we’re serious. We’re investing what it takes to be back at the front.
“Someone like Carlos would feature very highly in that regard in terms of the grand picture of where we are.
“Of course, the difference is he has the choice of whether he wants to come here or not. That’s his to make.”
