Carlos Sainz has now firmly settled into life at Williams following his high-profile departure from Ferrari during the 2024 winter break. His move marked one of the most significant shifts in the driver market, with Williams securing the experienced Spaniard on a long-term deal—an acquisition many viewed as a statement of serious intent.
Williams, aiming to return to competitiveness, are already benefitting from Sainz’s wealth of knowledge and his proven winning mentality. His arrival alongside Alex Albon has given the Grove-based team a dynamic and seasoned driver lineup. Carlos Sainz reportedly made the decision to commit to Williams after carefully evaluating his options for 2025, with the team’s ambitious long-term project ultimately tipping the scales. Even before stepping into Ferrari’s 2024 car, Carlos Sainz had known that his time with the Scuderia would be coming to an end—especially after Lewis Hamilton stunned the paddock with his decision to join the Maranello squad.
Despite receiving interest from Alpine and Flavio Briatore, Carlos Sainz chose to sign with Williams, believing in the vision laid out by team principal James Vowles. Many within the paddock believed the 30-year-old would naturally assume a leadership role within the team.
Yet, so far in the 2025 campaign, it has been Alex Albon who has taken the lead in terms of performance. The Thai driver has amassed 42 points across the first 10 races, including three P5 finishes, while Sainz has managed to score 13 points. While Sainz’s influence behind the scenes has been notable, on-track results have not yet matched expectations.
Reflecting on the shift between Ferrari and Williams, Sainz made an intriguing observation during an interview with DAZN ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. He explained that at Williams, every detail, even down to the smallest fraction of a second, carries far more weight than it did at his previous teams. He noted that operating at a team like Ferrari or McLaren came with immense expectations, but the pressure to extract performance from every possible element feels magnified at Williams, where the margins are even tighter.
During his four seasons at Ferrari, the Spaniard collected four race wins and came close to helping the Maranello team end their championship drought, narrowly missing out on the Constructors’ title to McLaren by just 14 points. At Ferrari, the car was already capable of fighting at the front and the demands were centered around delivering race wins. At Williams, however, the context is drastically different.
Williams are still in a rebuilding phase, with their eyes set on the upcoming 2026 regulation changes. Under James Vowles’ leadership, major efforts are underway to lift the team from its backmarker status. According to internal reports, there has been a noticeable shift in energy and focus within the factory, with morale high and development accelerating.
Still, Carlos Sainz has faced challenges in adapting to his new machinery. While his technical input is appreciated, Alex Albon has emerged as the stronger performer on track. This has surprised some observers, especially those who expected Carlos Sainz to assert himself more quickly. At the Canadian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz expressed frustration after being told to manage the car due to technical issues during the race, ultimately finishing P10 while Albon was forced to retire.
Despite the current performance gap, there remains optimism about Carlos Sainz’s long-term contribution. With a multi-year deal in place, there is ample time for him to acclimate and contribute meaningfully to the team’s upward trajectory. Williams are already shifting their attention toward 2026, hoping to gain an edge under the upcoming regulation overhaul.
The Spanish driver, however, has been realistic about expectations. He has acknowledged that while progress is visible, Williams are not yet in a position to fight for victories in 2026. He emphasized that while the foundations are being laid effectively, there is still considerable work to be done before the team can challenge for wins or championships.
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