Following Carlos Sainz‘s transfer announcements, one question has come up frequently: Why did he choose Williams? Look, the calculations are simple- first none of the top-tier teams, Red Bull or Mercedes did not give Sainz their second seat. And none of the midfield teams look more promising than Williams. However, what led to this great contract is still a little mysterious.

Meanwhile, ex-Haas boss, Guenther Steiner has tried to understand Carlos’ reasons to sign for James Vowles. Having stayed in F1 for so long, Steiner’s analysis could be as accurate as the original clause. After all, a former team boss can simply understand what might be going on inside the head of the other one. So while talking at The Red Flag Podcast, the boss-turned-pundit gave his insight.

Carlos Sainz’s new deal could reflect more than just team trust

Guenther Steiner was asked if Carlos Sainz’s signing with Williams suggests a contract with options or potential outs, rather than a strong belief in Williams’ future success. The pundit then explained what he understood of the deal. He said: “I think it’s a mix between the two of them. He needs to say some greatness and you know, or some development” adding, “James will have told him what is coming and obviously like that one. But also, James is smart enough to say, ‘If you’re bad, you can leave end of 26.’ Because if they are bad at the end of 26, I don’t know if James is still around and then you’re in a bad place anyway.”

Steiner implies that the entire contract has been a two-negotiation. Both parties are equal stakeholders in this. This means the contract is a two-way deal, with both sides having exit options if expectations aren’t met. More importantly, Guenther Steiner also notes Sainz’s ambition may not have aligned with Audi’s desire for a longer-term commitment.

On the other hand, Williams must have presented a more flexible contract which sat well with Carlos Sainz’s future strategies. Thus, he went for it. Moreover, Williams is a historical team like Ferrari. In the past, they’ve even looked the Red Squad directly in the eyes. With an overall 9 constructor titles and a series of legendary drivers, the team could turn into an ultimate playing ground for the Spaniard. Meanwhile, some parts of the contract clause have now surfaced. Let’s know more…

A sneak-peak into Carlos’ Sainz contract clause with Williams

Earlier there had been rumors that Sainz would be receiving some sort of special ‘exit clause’. According to the so-called clause, the current Ferrari driver could leave Williams even before racing. But that’ll be applicable only when top teams like Mercedes or Red Bull approach him. James Vowles has ousted such a claim. The team strongly declared that not many people know about the details of the contract. “There are precisely 10 people in the world that know what the interior of the contract holds,” said Vowles.

However, there is more the team is willing to present before Sainz. Along with a salary of around ten million euros, both Williams drivers will have powerful Mercedes engines. The team’s close connection with Toto Wolff’s team could open new possibilities for Chilli. Moreover, the team’s legacy would be a huge motivation for Carlos Sainz. More importantly, Sainz’s respect for the team he drives would be crucial in bringing Williams on the frontline.

And while the debate continues whether Sainz made the right decision or not, the Spaniard is enjoying his holiday at the St. Andrew’s Golf Club in Scotland. Meanwhile, Guenther Steiner’s point of view in this matter could also be pivotal in understanding the competitive nature of the driver’s market. What is your take on this? Let us know in the comments.