How Carlos Sainz’s new Williams steering wheel is inspired by Ferrari SF-24

How Carlos Sainz’s new Williams steering wheel is inspired by Ferrari SF-24. Carlos Sainz brings a touch of Ferrari to Williams.

Carlos Sainz, the new Williams driver and key figure in the debut of the FW47, has already made an impact within the team by introducing modifications to the steering wheel based on a solution used at Ferrari.

Thanks to his experience with a top team like Scuderia Ferrari, Carlos Sainz is a valuable asset for Williams. His technical expertise can provide the team with crucial insights gained over the years, helping them take a step forward in development.

The First Modifications to the Williams FW47 Steering Wheel

Beyond the know-how acquired at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz has already given a concrete sign of his significant influence within the team. During the filming day at Silverstone, images revealed a modification to the FW47’s steering wheel. The Spanish driver requested a change to the clutch paddle, now split and featuring a finger groove, exactly like the configuration used at Ferrari.

Team Principal James Vowles’ Comments

“His contribution has been immediate in certain areas. In particular, he works very well with Alex Albon, especially when it comes to control systems such as differential and brake maps,” explained Team Principal James Vowles.

Carlos Sainz is already proving to be a team player: his meticulous approach and analytical skills could be an added value for a team still striving for competitiveness. Moreover, he is the first experienced driver to join Williams after years of alternating young rookies, who struggled to make a significant contribution to the team’s growth.

“He has brought a completely new perspective. In the past, with Franco Colapinto, as talented as he was on track, we were the ones who had to teach him many things. Now, we have an experienced driver who has already won races, and this has elevated the entire team,” added James Vowles.

The steering wheel may seem like a minor detail, but it demonstrates how Carlos Sainz’s influence is already making a tangible impact, even in the most technical aspects of the new Williams.