Carlos Sainz joins a historic quartet in Formula 1: here’s why

Carlos Sainz joins a historic quartet in Formula 1: here’s why. Carlos Sainz, who recently joined Williams, has secured a place in F1 history.

Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams marks a significant chapter in F1 history. Before the Spaniard, only three others had the special honor of driving for Ferrari, McLaren, and Williams. These three teams are undoubtedly giants in the sport.

Formula 1 has seen some teams emerge that have left a deep mark on the sport. Among them, Ferrari, Williams, and McLaren have stood out not only for their success on the track but also for their tradition and their ability to create champions.

In terms of titles won, Ferrari tops the list with an impressive 16 Constructors’ Championships. Williams follows with 14 titles, and McLaren recently secured its 8th title in 2024, reclaiming third place, while Mercedes slipped to fourth with 8 titles.

Who else has driven for Ferrari, McLaren, and Williams like Carlos Sainz?
Carlos Sainz will now wear the suits of the most iconic teams in Formula 1. After establishing himself with McLaren, the Spanish driver found his way at Ferrari. However, with the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, he saw his chance to continue his adventure at Maranello fade, so he joined Williams.

His career, already enriched by experience with Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari, continues to grow, making him a protagonist in this “poker” of historic brands. But who are the drivers who, like Carlos Sainz, had the honor of driving for Ferrari, Williams, and McLaren? The exclusive club is highly prestigious.

Jacky Ickx, Alain Prost, and Nigel Mansell. These are the three drivers who had the honor of representing the three most successful teams in the premier motorsport category. Belgian Jacky Ickx raced for Ferrari in the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to the team’s history. He raced with McLaren in 1973 and competed in eight races for Williams in 1976, making him one of the few to wear the suits of all three teams.

Alain Prost won with McLaren in 1985, 1986, and 1989, narrowly missing the title with Ferrari in 1990. His fourth world title came with Williams in 1993. Nigel Mansell, world champion in 1992 with Williams, had a significant stint at Ferrari between 1989 and 1990, and also raced for McLaren in 1995.