Carlos Sainz initially harbored doubts about his decision to join Williams for the 2025 Formula 1 season but now expresses full confidence in his move. After 14 rounds with the Grove-based team, the Spanish driver confirms he is content with his choice, despite Williams being near the bottom of the Constructors' Championship when he signed.
Why it matters
Sainz was compelled to seek a new team for 2025 after Ferrari signed Lewis Hamilton. His decision to join Williams, a team that finished ninth last year, raised eyebrows, but Williams has shown significant progress, climbing to fifth in the constructors' standings this season.
The details
- Sainz admitted his uncertainty last year, stating, "I definitely felt last year when I took the decision, Williams was ninth in the championship and there was less certainty that maybe Williams was the right choice in my career."
- He now says, "Now a year on, I’m very confident of the decision I took. I’m very glad, looking at the progress the team is showing and the momentum we’re building into 2026."
- While Williams has improved, teammate Alex Albon has scored the bulk of the team's points. Sainz is still getting up to speed but feels all his doubts have been eliminated.
- Sainz signed a long-term deal, committing to Williams through the sport's new era starting in 2026. He emphasizes that his move was driven by the team's long-term potential rather than immediate 2025 results.
What's next
Sainz is focused on contributing to Williams' ambitious long-term plans to return to the front of the F1 grid. He believes that strong results in 2025 will build crucial momentum for the significant regulation changes in 2026, where he expects the team to truly shine. There's a "very long list" of improvements still needed, but Sainz is happy and ready to keep working.