Carlos Sainz is getting a head start on the pre-season tests in Abu Dhabi by driving the Williams today. After concluding his time with Ferrari with a second-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, the Spaniard is gearing up for his new journey, which officially begins next year.
Williams has arranged for Carlos Sainz to get a feel for the FW46, giving him a chance to familiarize himself with the current car. According to initial details shared by Adam Cooper, Carlos Sainz will take his first laps with Williams at 4:00 PM local time. The team has been granted a two-hour slot for a filming day.
Under Formula 1 regulations governing filming days, car #55 will be limited to 200 kilometers (the equivalent of 38 laps) on the Abu Dhabi circuit, using non-race-spec tires provided by Pirelli.
This opportunity will allow Carlos Sainz to acclimate to the car and his new team ahead of the pre-season tests scheduled for Tuesday, December 10.
The Spanish driver concluded his four years with Ferrari having achieved four victories, six pole positions, 25 podiums, and 900.5 points. In the post-race press conference, he admitted that his thoughts were already shifting toward Williams:
“I won’t lie. In my final laps, as much as I was pushing like crazy for this team and giving it my all, I was already starting to feel things in the car and thinking, ‘Remember how this feels,’” said Carlos Sainz.
“Tomorrow and Tuesday, I need to recall why this car is quick in this corner and why it feels good. I probably already know what I’ll find tomorrow and Tuesday. So that sums up the fact that my focus is already looking forward,” he explained.
Carlos Sainz expressed being “extremely motivated for the challenge ahead” and is eagerly anticipating “Monday and Tuesday to see how I can make this Williams faster.” – the Spanish driver concluded at the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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