Villeneuve: Carlos Sainz has 'basically changed' Williams

Jacques Villeneuve believes Carlos Sainz has fundamentally transformed Williams, attributing the squad’s recent resurgence to the Spanish driver’s immediate influence. The Grove-based outfit secured 137 points in the 2025 campaign, marking their best performance since 2016 and solidifying fifth place in the Constructors' Championship.

Why it matters:

After nearly a decade of decline and struggling with outdated facilities, Williams is finally turning a corner under team principal James Vowles. Sainz has a proven track record of elevating every team he joins—from Toro Rosso to Ferrari—and his arrival appears to be the catalyst needed to convert Vowles' modernization project into genuine on-track competitiveness.

The details:

• Statistical Success: The 137 points scored by Sainz and Alex Albon fell just one point short of the tally achieved by Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa in 2016, the last time Williams truly fought at the front.
• Late Season Surge: While the start was rocky, Sainz found his rhythm late in the year. He secured two podium finishes and dominated the final eight rounds, outscoring his teammate 48-3 to finish just nine points behind Albon overall.
• Cultural Shift: Villeneuve, the 1997 World Champion and Williams ambassador, emphasized that Sainz "basically changed the team," helping the car evolve beyond initial expectations.
• Strategic Validation: The former champion also noted similar progress at Sauber with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, reinforcing that hiring proven operators is key to revival.

Looking ahead:

With the modernization of Grove gathering momentum, Sainz’s feedback and leadership will be critical for the 2026 regulations. Villeneuve’s verdict suggests Williams has finally found the right piece to complete their puzzle.