“We connected because they have very similar family values to mine: honesty, performance on the track without politics and how to do the best job possible with the team you have. There was a lot of connection between both parties.
“This was Abu Dhabi 2023, so nobody knows what’s going to happen with Carlos. What I’m doing is making sure they know we’re serious about getting back to the front and here we are, and that they know me. The news shocked Lewis. [Hamilton leaving Mercedes and taking Sainz’s seat at Ferrari for 2025]which took me by surprise, and Carlos too. So I began the normal negotiation procedure.
“All I have told him is the truth behind this project, which means both the good and the bad. He has been consistent from start to finish. It is worth checking with Carlos, because he will tell you the same thing.
“This is who we are, this is what we are investing in, this is why I believe in it, this is what the future looks like. Do you want to be part of it?”
“I believe in this project; I left the comfort of Mercedes to be here for a good reason. We have a history that makes us the second most successful team on the grid, we have real, tangible investors who are serious about backing this project, we want success and this is what success looks like. Fundamentally, you can’t say the same from top to bottom on the grid, with the same level and the same requirements. And I think if nobody takes this as a sign that Williams has changed, then nothing will change.”