Carlos Sainz reflects on what he misses most from Ferrari while navigating early challenges at Williams
Carlos Sainz has encountered a challenging start to his tenure at Williams in the 2025 Formula 1 season, falling short of the high expectations that came with his move from Ferrari. The Spaniard joined the Grove-based team after Ferrari opted to bring Lewis Hamilton on board, leaving Sainz to embark on a new chapter with Williams. With four career Grand Prix victories, Sainz was expected to push teammate Alex Albon and help the team rise in the midfield battle. Yet, Albon has embraced the challenge, delivering four top-five finishes so far, while Sainz has struggled to find consistent results in the FW47.
The 30-year-old Spaniard has only managed six top-10 finishes in the first part of the season, leaving him 48 points behind Albon. While Albon appears to have settled quickly into his role as Williams’ lead driver, Sainz has faced setbacks including operational errors, mechanical issues, and race incidents, limiting his ability to showcase his full potential.
Carlos Sainz admits he misses the thrill of podium battles at Ferrari
Speaking to ESPN, the former Ferrari man opened up about the one aspect he truly misses from his Maranello days: the pressure and excitement of consistently fighting for podiums and victories. He emphasized that beyond this specific adrenaline rush, he has fully embraced the competitive spirit required at Williams and believes that continued hard work will eventually restore the feeling of competing for top positions.
Sainz explained that the intensity of entering a race weekend with the possibility of winning or stepping onto the podium is the “only thing” he truly misses from his Ferrari career. He added that the competitive drive within him remains fully engaged, and that consistent development and effort at Williams will gradually bring back those high-stakes sensations.
Williams project and 2026 F1 regulations
Carlos Sainz recognizes that Williams is a long-term project, with team principal James Vowles focusing heavily on preparing for the 2026 regulations. The FW47 has not yet provided Sainz with the opportunities to compete at the front like he did with Ferrari, but the Spaniard remains optimistic that improvements over the season will allow him to return to the podium battle sooner rather than later. He is committed to contributing to the team’s progress and helping Williams capitalize on opportunities as their car development progresses.
Future prospects and potential Williams exit
Amid ongoing struggles, speculation about Carlos Sainz’s future at Williams continues. The team appears more concerned about his results compared to Alex Albon, who has been consistently scoring points. Sainz currently trails Albon 10-4 in head-to-head races, highlighting the challenges he faces in maximizing the FW47’s performance. Motorsport analyst David Croft has suggested that Sainz’s qualifying struggles have created a significant hurdle for the team, as Albon increasingly makes Q3 appearances.
Adding to the uncertainty, Carlos Sainz has an exit clause in his Williams contract that could allow him to leave if a seat opens at another top team, such as Mercedes or Red Bull, in 2026. Initially considered Red Bull’s “Plan B” should Max Verstappen depart, Carlos Sainz’s potential move is now contingent on team dynamics and available opportunities, particularly as Max Verstappen remains committed to Red Bull and Mercedes appears set to retain its current lineup.
For now, the Spaniard remains focused on building momentum with Williams, working diligently to close the gap with Albon and rediscover the intensity and exhilaration of racing for podiums that he enjoyed during his Ferrari career. His resilience and professional approach will be crucial as he navigates the remainder of the 2025 season and prepares for the changes and challenges that 2026 regulations will bring.
