Carlos Sainz Details 'Very Big Contrasts' at Williams
Carlos Sainz reveals Williams has "very big contrasts," with pockets of excellence alongside processes and tools that are "really far behind" the competition. He praises management's honesty about the team's deep-seated issues as they undergo a major rebuild.
Carlos Sainz has highlighted the "very big contrasts" he's found at Williams, noting that while some areas are surprisingly competitive, others like processes and simulation tools are "really, really far behind" the opposition. The Spanish driver praised team principal James Vowles for his upfront honesty about these deep-rooted issues, which has allowed Sainz to focus on helping the team accelerate its development and close the gap to the front.
Why it matters:
Sainz's candid assessment provides a rare, inside look at the immense challenge facing Williams as it attempts to return to the front of the grid. For a team that secured two podiums in 2025, acknowledging these significant internal weaknesses is crucial for sustainable growth. It shows that despite on-track progress, the foundational work required to consistently challenge for wins is still in its early stages.
The details:
- The 'Contrasts': Sainz explained the juxtaposition within the team: some areas are "closer to the top than what I would have expected," while others, particularly "processes, tools, simulation," are "really, really far behind."
- Management Honesty: He credited Vowles and the team's owners for being "super honest" about these flaws before he joined, preventing any "nasty surprises" and allowing him to be realistic about his role in the rebuild.
- On-Track Step: Despite the off-track challenges, Sainz acknowledged the massive step forward with the FW47 car, realizing its potential immediately during pre-season testing in Bahrain after a difficult 2024 season.
- Poddium Returns: This progress translated to on-track results, with Sainz delivering two full-distance grand prix podiums in the final eight rounds of 2025—the team's first since Lance Stroll's third place at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Looking Ahead:
Sainz's primary focus is on being "vocal and very clear" about the team's weaknesses to help accelerate their development. The entire Grove-based outfit is "working flat-out" to modernize its infrastructure and tools. The ultimate goal is to transform these pockets of excellence into a complete, top-tier organization capable of consistently fighting for victories and championships, not just occasional podiums.