Carlos Sainz reveals Ferrari colleagues’ pride after maiden podium with Williams in Azerbaijan
Carlos Sainz has opened up about the reactions of his former Ferrari teammates following his remarkable third-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking his first-ever podium with Williams. The Spanish driver delivered a masterful performance on the challenging streets of Baku, holding off pressure from rivals to secure Williams’ first podium since the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix.
This achievement comes amid a challenging season for Sainz, who had accumulated only 16 points compared to teammate Alex Albon’s 70 in the 2025 Formula 1 standings. Despite the difficulties, Williams reportedly maintained complete confidence in Sainz, with insiders indicating that the team never felt any urgency or panic regarding his adaptation to the Grove-based outfit during his debut season.
Ferrari colleagues express pride in Sainz’s Baku heroics
Sainz transitioned from Ferrari following the team’s announcement that Lewis Hamilton would join the Scuderia in 2025, a decision confirmed before the start of last season. The 31-year-old left the team amicably, maintaining strong relationships with his former colleagues. He explained the Ferrari team’s reaction to his Azerbaijan podium during an interview with BBC Radio 1, emphasizing their pride and support for his accomplishment.
He shared that the farewell from Ferrari was genuinely positive, highlighting that leaving the team was not due to performance but circumstances, namely Hamilton’s arrival. Sainz noted that Ferrari celebrated his achievement in Baku, with colleagues expressing genuine happiness and admiration for his success.
In addition, former Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc personally congratulated Sainz over the team radio at the chequered flag, despite his own frustrations from the race. This moment underscored the strong personal bonds the Spaniard maintained at Maranello and the mutual respect between the drivers.
Sainz reflects on his admiration for Lewis Hamilton
During the same radio interview, Carlos Sainz also spoke about his long-standing respect for Lewis Hamilton. He reflected on how Hamilton had been an idol during his youth, noting that the seven-time world champion inspired him to follow Formula 1 closely from a young age. The Spaniard emphasized that while Hamilton is now a direct competitor, the admiration he held for the British driver has remained intact, highlighting Lewis Hamilton’s influence on his career and early passion for racing.
Sainz recalled that he began watching Formula 1 around 2008, captivated by Hamilton’s rivalry with Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, and other top drivers. He described the Briton as one of the figures who shaped his early F1 fandom, before becoming a competitor on the track 10 to 15 years later.
Williams milestone and Ferrari comparison
The podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix represents a significant milestone for Carlos Sainz and Williams, as he has now achieved a personal milestone that eluded his Ferrari replacement, Lewis Hamilton, in the 2025 season. Hamilton, after 17 races with Ferrari, still holds the record for the most appearances with the team without scoring a podium, underscoring Sainz’s achievement and the immediate impact he has made at his new team.
Overall, Sainz’s performance in Baku not only demonstrates his adaptability and skill but also highlights the respect and support he continues to receive from former Ferrari colleagues, reinforcing the strong professional relationships he built during his time at Maranello.
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