Carlos Sainz sets sights on Williams return to winning ways after strong debut season

Carlos Sainz has declared his "next target" at Williams is to return the historic team to the top step of the podium, following a debut season that yielded two podium finishes and silenced critics of his move from Ferrari. The Spaniard believes he is in the "right place at the right time" to lead the Grove-based squad's resurgence.

Why it matters:

Sainz's successful adaptation and immediate impact at Williams validate his career move after a high-profile exit from Ferrari. His confidence and public target-setting signal a renewed ambition within the Williams team, which has not won a race since 2012. A driver of Sainz's caliber believing in the project provides significant momentum and credibility as the team aims to climb the competitive order.

The details:

• Sainz joined Williams at the start of the 2025 season after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, a move that was initially met with widespread skepticism.
• After a slow start, he secured two third-place finishes in the Azerbaijan and Qatar Grands Prix, plus a podium in the Austin Sprint race.
• The Spaniard stated that the season's results have made it "very clear to everyone" that he joined a project "hungry to get back to winning ways," directly countering the doubts that surrounded his transfer.
• Sainz admitted returning to the podium happened "earlier than expected, earlier than what people - even myself - expected."

The big picture:

Sainz's performance has provided a tangible boost to Williams, a team in the midst of a long-term rebuilding phase. His experience and race-winning pedigree bring a new level of leadership and expectation. His public call for the team to "keep pushing" underscores the critical need for sustained development in Formula 1, where progress is never guaranteed year-on-year.

What's next:

The focus now shifts entirely to converting podium potential into race victories. Sainz has issued a clear challenge to the team, emphasizing the need for continued hunger, discipline, and hard work to ensure another step forward is taken in 2026. His stated target transforms internal ambition into public expectation, raising the stakes for the team's development over the coming winter.