Williams Eyes £150k-a-Week Mystery Driver as Plan B for 2025

With the driver market for the 2025 Formula One season heating up, Williams is reportedly considering a Plan B in case they can’t secure their top target, Carlos Sainz. According to reports, the Grove-based team has identified a mystery driver currently earning a hefty £150,000 per week as a frontrunner for the remaining seat alongside Alex Albon.

Sainz Remains the Dream

Despite identifying this backup option, Sainz remains Williams’ dream choice for the 2025 season. The Spanish driver is currently at Ferrari, but his future beyond 2024 is uncertain with Lewis Hamilton rumored to be eyeing a Ferrari seat. This has opened the door for a potential return to Williams, where Sainz kickstarted his F1 career in 2015.

Who is the Mystery Driver?

The identity of the £150k-a-week driver remains a closely guarded secret. However, speculation is rife within the F1 paddock. Some suggest it could be an experienced driver currently on the market, such as Haas’ Mick Schumacher or Alfa Romeo’s Guanyu Zhou. Others believe it might be a rising star from the lower formulas, eager to make their F1 debut with a resurgent Williams team.

Intriguing Options for Williams

Sainz brings a wealth of experience and race-winning pedigree to the table, making him an ideal candidate to lead Williams’ development charge. However, the mystery driver’s hefty salary suggests they too possess significant talent and marketability. This unexpected development adds another layer of intrigue to Williams’ driver market strategy.

Who Will Line Up Alongside Albon?

The upcoming weeks and months will be crucial for Williams. Can they convince Sainz to return to his roots? Or will the mystery driver with a hefty paycheck become their Plan A? Regardless, one thing is certain: Alex Albon is likely to have a strong teammate pushing him next season, propelling Williams further up the grid.