Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” faced criticism for creating drama – but sometimes, that drama creates reality. In the latest season’s fourth episode (released on March 7), Carlos Sainz is seen haunting James Vowles and Williams last summer, extending what Vowles assumed was a done deal.
In an episode titled “Carlos Signs,” the cameras follow the 30-year-old Spanish driver as he figures out where to go next after being displaced from his Ferrari seat by Lewis Hamilton.
“I honestly didn’t expect it. It made me sad,” Sainz said about being replaced by the seven-time world champion. “I will negotiate and get a good deal for myself.”
Vowles from Williams, who courted the Spanish driver, told the show’s producers that Sainz could completely change the team. “I wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night without thinking about anything else,” Vowles confessed.
At the time, the paddock was filled with speculation that the Spanish driver would excel in his home race, after Vowles was known to have had a secret meeting with Sainz’s manager, Carlos “Caco” Oñoro.
“I am very confident this is a good contract and a good place. I know I will be stronger in the next few races, I am a respected individual,” Vowles firmly told Oñoro in their closed-door conversation. “You want a relationship? I want a relationship. Let’s make a piece of paper that can cover it.”
Norris revealed that news of the deal had reached Red Bull. Communication and Social Media Director Paul Smith was heard telling Christian Horner that Williams was “almost certain to secure Sainz.”
Vowles was very confident that the contract would be signed in his hotel that night. He was seen telling Williams board member (and Pippa Middleton’s husband) James Matthews that they were “almost in agreement.”
Eventually, it was revealed that Smooth Operator would not be coming. “You were going to sign a contract with Williams, but then changed your mind. What happened?” a producer asked Leclerc’s former teammate, to which Sainz mentioned that Flavio Briatore had called him. The controversial Italian businessman returned to Formula 1 last spring as an executive advisor for Alpine, complicating the plans of the son of the Dakar Rally champion.
While Sainz sought information from Alpine driver Pierre Gasly about the car’s performance, Jack Doohan joked that the Spanish driver was acting like a “paddock sl*t” due to his indecision.
Horner stated that Briatore would not give him the best offer. “Flavio will sleep him, and he’s expensive, which Flavio will hate,” said the Red Bull boss.
Several weeks passed before Sainz finally signed a two-year contract with Williams at the end of July. “Congratulations,” Vowles said as his new driver walked into the hotel conference room to finalize the contract signing.
