Carlos Sainz: 'I'd Be Fighting for Championships' If I Stayed at McLaren

Carlos Sainz believes he would currently be "fighting for a World Championship" had he remained at McLaren, despite expressing no regrets about his decisions to join Ferrari and subsequently Williams. Sainz reflects on his career trajectory, acknowledging the impact of his past team choices.

Why it matters:

Sainz's comments highlight the 'what-if' scenarios in Formula 1, especially regarding driver-team alignment. His move to Ferrari, a team with immense legacy, and now to Williams, underscores the complex decisions drivers face to chase championship aspirations, even when a former team like McLaren rises to prominence.

The big picture:

Sainz's two years at McLaren (2019-2020) were pivotal, with the Spanish driver stating they were "perhaps the best of my career," feeling "loved, supported and embraced." This period significantly boosted his confidence. However, a call from Ferrari after the 2020 season was, for Sainz, an offer no driver could refuse, driven by the Scuderia's prestige.

The details:

• Sainz emphasized his strong bond with McLaren, where he felt he extracted the most from his car and grew significantly as a driver.
• His departure to Ferrari was described as almost an obligation given the Italian team's historical standing, especially as McLaren was not yet the dominant force it is today.
• Ferrari's announcement that Lewis Hamilton would replace Sainz for 2025 led to his move to Williams for the 2024 season. He views Williams as a "very good place for my future" and a "life project" to help the team return to podiums and victories.
• Despite his optimism, Sainz's start at Williams has been challenging, marked by significant misfortune. He has only secured 16 points in 16 races, placing him P18 in the Drivers' Standings, while teammate Alexander Albon has accumulated 70 points. This disparity is attributed to bad luck rather than a lack of pace from Sainz.

What's next:

Sainz and Williams are targeting the 2026 regulation changes as a key opportunity for a significant performance reset. His current tenure is seen as a long-term commitment to elevate the legendary British team, hoping to achieve personal and team success in the coming seasons.