F1 NATION: Why Red Bull have stuck with Perez, Antonelli’s prospects, plus Vowles on how Sainz will turbocharge Williams

Carlos Sainz is set to join Williams on a multi-year deal in 2025 and, on the latest episode of F1 Nation, Team Principal James Vowles explains why he expects the “performance machine” to take the squad to a new level when he arrives.

Speaking to host Tom Clarkson and 1996 world champion Damon Hill, Vowles answers a range of questions about Sainz’s impending partnership with Williams.

READ MORE: ‘I’m really excited by what we have coming’ – Vowles on signing Sainz, re-shaping his technical team, and his long-term plans for Williams

When did he begin talks with the Spaniard? Why does Vowles believe he’s now got one of the best driver line-ups in Formula 1? How much pressure does this put on the team to improve performance? And why does Vowles compare negotiations with Sainz to dating?

Hill also discusses how Sainz will transition from a front-running team to one further down the grid and how he’ll work alongside Alex Albon.

This episode was recorded before Jonathan Wheatley's departure from Red Bull was announced, but another topic on the agenda is why the Milton Keynes squad decided to stick with Sergio Perez for the rest of 2024.

Plus, what do we know about new Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes? And who are the contenders to fill seats left at Mercedes, Alpine and Sauber?

BEYOND THE GRID: Bruno Famin on his year as Alpine's team boss, why he's moving position and the thinking behind their engine plan

Tune into the latest episode of F1 Nation by hitting go on the audio player above or by clicking here to listen via your preferred podcasting provider.

Want to get your question answered by the F1 Nation gang on a future episode? Simply record it as a voice note and email it to F1Nation@F1.com.