Carlos Sainz Sends Grateful Letter to Williams Team After First Season

Carlos Sainz has marked the end of his first season with Williams by sending a personal letter and gifts to every team member at Grove, expressing his gratitude for their efforts in securing a fifth-place finish in the constructors' championship. The gesture highlights the strong bond Sainz has built with the team following his high-profile move from Ferrari.

Why it matters:

In an era of frequent driver transfers and corporate team environments, such a personal, team-wide gesture from a driver is noteworthy. It underscores Sainz's commitment to Williams's long-term project and his role as a leader within the team, which is crucial for morale as they continue their ambitious rebuild under Team Principal James Vowles.

The details:

• Sainz joined Williams for the 2025 season after being replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton, drawn by the team's long-term vision.
• His debut season yielded tangible success: two third-place podiums at the Azerbaijan and Qatar Grands Prix, plus a sprint podium in Austin.
• Alongside teammate Alex Albon, he was instrumental in helping Williams achieve P5 in the constructors' championship, a significant jump in performance.
• In his letter, Sainz explicitly credited the team's "dedication and commitment" for these results, stating the podiums "are not mine they are a direct result of your efforts."
• He framed the 2025 season as laying "solid foundations" but was clear-eyed about the challenge ahead, noting "a long road" remains to return Williams to its winning ways.

Looking ahead:

Sainz's message sets the tone for the off-season and the 2026 campaign. By personally investing in team morale and publicly aligning himself with the project's ultimate goal, he reinforces the collective effort needed for the next step. His assurance that he will give his "absolute best" signals continued leadership as Williams aims to convert its improved foundation into consistent podium contention.