Rallying icon Carlos Sainz Sr has voiced support for his son's decision to join Williams in 2025, while confirming he is considering a run for FIA president later this year.
Carlos Sainz Jr, 30, expressed frustration in Miami after being overtaken by teammate Alex Albon, despite assurances that Albon had been instructed to hold position. "That's not how I go racing," Sainz Jr fumed over the radio after the race. "I don't care. I've lost a lot of confidence here, on everything."
With Lewis Hamilton replacing him at Ferrari this year, Sainz Jr faced limited options, ultimately choosing Williams over Alpine or Audi-owned Sauber.
Sainz Sr, who had previously advocated for his son to sign with Audi, has now changed his tune. The 63-year-old, who claimed victory in the Dakar Rally last year with Volkswagen-owned Audi, told Marca: "I think Williams was the right decision. After being the second-to-last team last year, Carlos has already achieved a sixth place in qualifying.
"The team has been a bit of a revelation and we have to admit now that he made the right choice."
Some pundits argue that opting for a works team like Audi might have better positioned Sainz Jr for the sweeping chassis and engine regulation changes in 2026. "Such a radical change in the regulations is a cocktail," Sainz Sr acknowledged, "and we'll have to wait and see who got it right and who didn't.
"It could be tremendous and until the first race of the year arrives it will be very difficult to know who got it right."
Regarding his potential FIA presidency candidacy, Sainz Sr dismissed concerns about a conflict of interest, given his son's role as an F1 driver and co-director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association. "People know me well enough to understand that this would not be a problem," he said, noting he would step back from managing his son's career.
Many insiders believe Sainz Sr could pose a formidable challenge to the controversial incumbent, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. "There are important people in the motorsports world who are encouraging me to make the decision, and I'm going to think about it," he told Diario Sport.
"I have to determine whether I really have the necessary support and whether it's worth a try or not."
