Carlos Sainz recently shared that his initial thoughts about Williams’ latest endeavors were “positive.” He praised Williams for taking the innovative step of organizing a media and sponsor day while also unveiling their new car, highlighting this as a sign of the team’s forward momentum.
Reflecting on last year, Williams faced numerous challenges at the start of the season. They had ambitious plans to implement new processes, which slowed down their car development. Add to that a rough 2024 season peppered with crashes, and it hasn’t been easy on the financial side.
Sainz, who was replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, expressed his hope for Williams to keep the momentum up through 2025, especially as they gear up for the changes coming to Formula 1 regulations in 2026. “Keeping this positive trajectory is crucial,” Sainz emphasized. He’s betting on 2026 to be a transformative year for Williams, more so than 2025.
He was also nonchalant about the prospect of seeing Hamilton take on the Ferrari cockpit, stating that he had already come to terms with it last month when Hamilton paid a visit to the Ferrari headquarters.
Over his four years with Ferrari, the Spanish driver secured four Grand Prix wins. As he contemplates his shift down the grid, Sainz pondered, “I’m not sure how much I’ll miss it or how entertaining it will be battling for positions between P7 and P15. Maybe check in with me later.”
Despite these uncertainties, Sainz remains upbeat. “I’m genuinely happy, motivated, and excited,” he shared. He feels surrounded by positive energy, backed by a team and principal who trust his skills and are keen to hear his insights.
Team leader James Vowles mentioned that the new car represents an “evolution” of last year’s design, with a sharp focus on gearing up for the seismic shifts expected in 2026 with the new engine and chassis rules. “Everyone, including Carlos and Alex, is on the same page—we aim to win championships,” Vowles stated.
He argued against solely focusing on short-term gains. “The developments we’re making now may only bear fruit in 2027,” he stated. Highlighting the team’s expansion from 700 to 1,000 people, Vowles considered increasing performance as just one aspect of their broader, long-term strategy.
