Villeneuve Hails Williams, Sauber as 2025's Under-the-Radar Stars
Jacques Villeneuve praised Williams and Sauber for their surprising 2025 season, highlighting Carlos Sainz's transformative impact on Williams.
Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has singled out Williams and Sauber as the most surprising and impressive teams of the 2025 season. He specifically lauded Williams for their massive step forward, which he largely attributes to the transformative impact of driver Carlos Sainz. Villeneuve noted that both teams exceeded expectations, with Williams securing P5 in the constructors' championship and Sauber grabbing a shock podium.
Why it matters:
Recognition from a former world champion like Villeneuve validates the significant progress made by teams traditionally outside the top tier. Williams' jump to fifth and Sauber's podium signal a potential shift in the competitive landscape, showing that strategic driver signings and car development can close the gap to the midfield leaders and beyond. It underscores the importance of experienced drivers in elevating a team's entire operation.
The details:
- Williams' Resurgence: The Grove-based squad finished a strong fifth in the Constructors' Championship, a significant leap from previous years. Both of their two podium finishes were delivered by Sainz.
- The Sainz Effect: Villeneuve credited Sainz with fundamentally changing the team's trajectory, stating the Spaniard helped deliver results "much higher than what they were anticipating."
- Sauber's Surprise: Despite finishing second-to-last in the standings, the team managed a podium finish with Nico Hülkenberg, showcasing their potential on specific weekends.
- Smart Driver Strategy: The 1997 champion praised both teams for making "the right racing decisions" in their driver choices, highlighting the impact of proven talent like Sainz and the promising addition of Gabriel Bortoleto at Sauber.
Looking Ahead:
The strong performances of Williams and Sauber in 2025 set a new, higher baseline for their ambitions heading into the next season. For Williams, the challenge will be to build on this momentum and consistently challenge the top four. Sauber, meanwhile, will aim to convert their one-off podium success into more regular points-scoring finishes, proving their surprise result was no fluke.