Even before the season has started, Williams is already acknowledging Carlos Sainz’s impact. The team principal is aware of what the Spaniard can bring to the team and also highlights the crucial collaboration of Alexander Albon.
Williams’ 2024 Formula 1 season did not go as planned. After a mid-season driver change, they showed some form in a few races but then faded again. By the end of the championship, they finished ninth in the Constructors’ standings.
Williams showed promising signs during testing. While Bahrain’s performance data should not be overanalyzed, it is certainly a good start for the Grove-based team.
Looking ahead to 2025, Williams approaches the season with a different mindset, bolstered by the arrival of an experienced driver—key to the team’s resurgence. The team principal has already expressed gratitude to Carlos Sainz, stating that despite his recent arrival, he has already helped improve the team. “In the few days I’ve had the privilege of working with Carlos, he has made a difference. The car is already faster thanks to his work, and that is one of the strongest qualities a driver can have.”
Carlos Sainz ready to revive Williams
Carlos has outlined the team’s objectives, making it clear that they do not expect an immediate return to success. Instead, it will be a long and well-planned process. Williams is fully aware that the technical regulations will change in 2026, forcing all teams to start from scratch, so they are careful about how they allocate resources for 2025.
For this reason, Carlos Sainz stated: “This year will be a transition year, preparing for 2026, which will be the most important for Williams to take a step forward. 2025 will be about getting to know the team and learning how to work together.”
Carlos Sainz has helped improve every team he has raced for and is ready to do the same with Williams. He explained that Williams is the team where he sees the most potential. “I made this choice to bring Williams back to the top, to achieve a jump like the one McLaren made.”
To return to winning ways, Williams will have to contend with the leading teams. The Grove-based team has shown it can compete at their level during testing, prompting Carlos Sainz to make a comparison while keeping expectations in check.
He acknowledged McLaren’s superiority, given their strong finish to 2024 and their promising pace in Bahrain. Discussing data, he cautioned against overinterpreting test results and explained why.
“Keep in mind that long-run pace can be manipulated: you can add 10-15 kg of ballast on top of the full 110 kg fuel load. You can run a race simulation while keeping your true pace hidden by carrying extra weight. I don’t know if Ferrari or other teams have done this, but from experience, I know that many top teams do.” – the Spanish driver concluded.
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