Carlos Sainz silences doubts over Williams move after strong debut season

Carlos Sainz believes his first season with Williams has silenced external doubts about his decision to join the team for 2025, pointing to his podium finishes and strong finish as proof of the project's potential. The Spaniard is now urging the team to maintain its hunger and discipline to capitalize on the momentum heading into the crucial 2026 regulation change.

Why it matters:

Sainz's move from Ferrari to a midfield team was one of the biggest driver market stories of 2024, with many questioning the competitive wisdom of the switch. His successful adaptation and immediate results validate his long-term bet on Williams's future and demonstrate that the team is building a foundation capable of attracting and maximizing top-tier talent.

The details:

• Sainz acknowledged that "many people... doubted the move" when he signed for Williams after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.
• His season trajectory was impressive: after a period of adaptation where teammate Alex Albon had the upper hand, Sainz closed the gap decisively.
• He secured the team's first podium finishes in years, with third-place results in Azerbaijan and Qatar.
• In the final third of the season, Sainz scored 48 points while Albon failed to score, showcasing his late-season form and ability to extract performance from the car.
• Williams ultimately finished fifth in the Constructors' Championship, its best result since 2017, a tangible sign of progress.

Looking ahead:

Sainz's focus is firmly on the future, with the 2026 technical regulations representing a key opportunity for Williams. He has urged the team to avoid complacency.

• "Progress one year doesn’t mean progress the next year," Sainz cautioned, emphasizing the need for continuous hunger and discipline.
• His multi-year deal is strategically aligned with the team's build-up to 2026, where its new Mercedes power unit partnership could be a major asset.
• The clear next target, as stated by Sainz, is to return to "winning ways," suggesting both driver and team believe the foundation for future success is now in place.