The newest season of Method 1’s in style ‘Drive to Survive’ sequence reveals a tense second for the Williams group final summer time when its future recruit, Carlos Sainz, bailed on group boss James Vowles simply when the 2 events agreed to affix forces.
In 2024, Sainz’s unsure Method 1 future following his dismissal by Ferrari turned a gripping subplot captured by Netflix’s Drive to Survive.
Episode 4 of the most recent season, “Carlos Indicators” – which can premier this week on March 7, showcases the Spaniard’s indecision as he navigates his exit from the Scuderia and his substitute by Lewis Hamilton.
The cameras reveal a rollercoaster of negotiations, dashed hopes, and paddock gossip, culminating in Sainz’s eventual dedication to Williams in late July.
A Bitter Exit and a Pivotal Alternative
Sainz’s journey begins with uncooked emotion. “I truthfully didn’t count on it. It leaves me bitter,” he confesses about dropping his Ferrari seat to Hamilton.
Decided to safe his future, he provides, “I’m going to barter and get myself a superb deal.”
Williams group principal James Vowles sees Sainz as a game-changer, telling producers, “I get up within the morning and I fall asleep at night time pondering of nothing else.”
Williams group principal James Vowles (R) with Williams board member James Matthews.
By June, on the Spanish Grand Prix, Vowles is assured, assembly Sainz’s supervisor, Carlos “Caco” Oñoro, and assuring him, “I actually am assured it is a good contract and a superb place.
“I do know I’m going to get stronger over the subsequent few races, I’m fairly an honorable particular person. You need a relationship? I need a relationship. Let’s put a chunk of paper collectively that covers it off.”
The paddock buzzes with hypothesis. McLaren’s Zak Brown spots Vowles and Oñoro at breakfast, whereas Lando Norris reveals Sainz’s dilemma.
“I spoke to Carlos yesterday,” the Briton says. “Within the brief time period it’s Williams, however long term Audi.”
Crimson Bull’s Christian Horner hears Williams has “just about confirmed Sainz,” and Vowles tells board member James Matthews they’re “just about there,” likening the method to courting: “You begin with texts, then [there’s] dinner, then you find yourself in a lodge room.”
The Lodge Room Twist
The episode’s climax unfolds in a Barcelona lodge. Williams prepares a convention room – blinds closed, champagne on ice – awaiting Sainz’s signature.
Vowles waits over 20 minutes, however Sainz by no means arrives.

Flavio Briatore, Alpine F1 Crew Government Advisor with Carlos Sainz Sr in Barcelona.
A producer probes, “You have been going to signal for Williams however then modified your thoughts. What occurred there?”
Sainz replies, “Flavio [Briatore] referred to as me.” Briatore, Alpine’s returning govt advisor, throws a wrench into the plan.
Sainz quizzes Alpine’s Pierre Gasly on the automobile, prompting reserve driver Jack Doohan to jest he’s “the paddock sl*t.” Horner warns, “Flavio will f**okay him 100 per cent, and he’s costly, which Flavio will hate.”
Decision and Reflection
Sainz’s delay frustrates Williams, however his calculus pays off. In late July, he indicators a two-year take care of the Grove-based outfit.
“Congratulations,” Vowles says as Sainz enters to finalize it. The saga, mixing ambition, betrayal, and Briatore’s meddling, underscores Drive to Survive’s knack for capturing actual drama.
Sainz’s preliminary ghosting of Vowles – prolonging a “performed deal” – reveals a driver weighing each choice, leaving viewers hooked on his subsequent transfer.
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