Williams team principal James Vowles has outlined the current situation as they attempt to sign Carlos Sainz for next year.

The Spanish star, who will be replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton, is yet to decide on his future, despite a deal from the British team being on the table.

Alpine and Sauber have also reportedly expressed an interest, while there have been murmurs Williams are losing patience in the Spaniard.

And speaking to talkSPORT, Vowles was keen to the record straight as they look to sign a driver to partner Alex Albon next year.

He said: “I think we’ve been fairly forthright and open on who we’d like to sign, but that doesn’t mean it will necessarily happen. We know where we place in the grand scheme of things.

“What I would say is this, what I want is a driver that also wants to be a part of our journey, that wants to really, understands what Williams is about, both the old and the new, and wants that to be at the heart of what they’re doing driving wise.

“And sometimes that doesn’t match up. Sometimes it does, but that’s really important to me.

Asked if that meant not considering Williams as a stepping stone, he added: “Correct. And that’s not what I see at all. I left Mercedes to come here.

“The reason why I did is not because I’m bored of winning, but rather I want to invest in something that’s my own, that has my fingerprint on it, and the fingerprint of a thousand other people working in this organisation, and the fingerprint of Alex that would join us on that journey.

“That’s important to me. It’s important to him. And I want that to be at the foundation of a decision.”

Carlos Sainz Sr told talkSPORT last week that his son should make a decision on his future soon.

But Vowles can see both sides of the situation.

He added: I think in the case of, [Carlos Sainz] Sr and I have a good relationship. I like him. He’s a multiple world champion. There’s every reason behind it. He knows what he’s talking about.

“In the case of [Carlos Sainz] Jr, I get it. To some extent, his dream was to be in a Ferrari or in a top team. That’s not happening. And you need adaptation period to it.

“My goal behind it is simply to lay it on the table. This is what we can offer.

“If you want it, great, we’re here. And if you don’t, not a problem. We’re going to find our own pathway through to things.

“So his timeline might not be the same as my timeline is the best way of putting it.”

Queried on other options and whether there was still the potential for Logan Sargeant to stay if Sainz opts against the move, he added: “Nothing too concrete at the moment.

“We’re definitely in discussions with other drivers at the moment. I want to make sure I understand what’s in the marketplace and where things are. What I’ve said all the way along is Logan, he’s in control of that to a certain extent.

“He has to be there. He has to perform. He has to be at the right level. There’s moments of greatness that really are.

“In Montreal, you wouldn’t have seen it. His car was slightly off in terms of specification, but it was a good lap for where it was. But we need that to be a complete picture throughout the weekend. Now, the good news is he’s been on the right specification now for a few races and will continue now going forward.

“His job is grab the opportunity.”