Carlos Sainz Targets Azerbaijan GP Podium with Tire Advantage

Carlos Sainz nearly clinched a surprise pole position for Williams in a record-breaking and chaotic Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session. With a total of six red flags, the most ever seen in an F1 qualifying, Sainz held provisional pole until the final minutes of Q3, ultimately securing P2. He is now eyeing a podium finish on Sunday, bolstered by the "huge advantage" of having two sets of hard tires available.

Why it matters:

After a challenging season, a strong performance and potential podium for Carlos Sainz in Baku could significantly boost his and Williams's championship standings. This result would underscore the team's progress in tire management and car performance, especially in unpredictable conditions, and could mark a turning point in their 2025 campaign.

The Details:

• Qualifying Performance: Sainz navigated a tumultuous qualifying session, which saw championship contenders like Lewis Hamilton (Q2), Oscar Piastri, and Charles Leclerc (Q3) falter. His ability to keep his car on track and deliver strong laps allowed him to capitalize on the misfortunes of others.
• Near Pole Position: Sainz held provisional pole, demonstrating the car's speed and his driving skill, before Max Verstappen secured back-to-back poles.
• Driver Confidence: Sainz expressed satisfaction with his qualifying performance, stating, "We’ve nailed qualifying today." He emphasized that his speed is consistent, and he is confident that good race results and points will follow, despite a season that hasn't gone as planned in terms of points.
• Team Principal's Praise: Williams Team Principal James Vowles lauded the team's effort in preparing the tires, an area they previously struggled with. He highlighted the car's speed and Sainz's "brilliant, brilliant driver" performance in the tricky conditions.
• Key Race Advantage: Sainz possesses two sets of new hard tires, which Vowles believes will be the preferred compound for the race. This strategic advantage could be crucial in managing tire degradation and race strategy, especially given the unpredictable nature of the Baku street circuit.

What's Next:

Carlos Sainz's clear target for Sunday is a podium finish, which would be Williams's first. While acknowledging the challenge from faster cars like Verstappen, McLaren, and Ferrari, Sainz's starting position and tire advantage provide a genuine opportunity.

• The race is expected to be unpredictable, with Vowles noting that simulations won't fully capture the impact of potential VSCs, safety cars, and red flags.
• If Sainz can convert his qualifying pace and strategic tire advantage into a strong race performance, it would be a significant milestone for both him and the Williams team, potentially propelling them up the Constructor's standings.