Williams Boss Vows 'Revenge' After Chaotic Qatar Podium Celebration with Sainz's Manager

Williams team principal James Vowles has humorously vowed 'revenge' after being tackled by Carlos Sainz's manager, also named Carlos Sainz, during the wild podium celebrations at the Qatar Grand Prix. This incident followed Carlos Sainz Jr.'s impressive second podium finish for Williams this season.

Why it matters:

This lighthearted anecdote offers a rare glimpse into the celebratory side of Formula 1, highlighting the camaraderie and passion within the teams after a significant achievement. More broadly, Sainz's podium, his second for Williams since joining, underscores the team's resurgence and their solidifying position in the Constructors' Championship, a crucial step in their long-term recovery.

The Details:

• Qatar Grid Position: Sainz started seventh on the grid in Qatar, aiming to build on Williams's strong season performance.
• Race Progression: A strong start and a timely Lap 7 Safety Car allowed Sainz to move into fourth for the restart, positioning him behind the McLaren duo and Max Verstappen.
• Podium Fight: Sainz, a former four-time Grand Prix winner, skillfully battled to hold onto third place, finishing just 0.7 seconds ahead of the championship leader, Lando Norris.
• Second Podium: This marked Sainz's second podium finish as a Williams driver, having joined the team from Ferrari at the start of the current season. It was also Vowles' second podium as team principal for Williams.
• The Incident: After the team photograph, Vowles attempted to evade the traditional champagne spray but was tackled to the ground by Carlos Sainz Sr. (the driver's manager), who had pre-empted his escape. Vowles described champagne being poured into his eyes, obscuring his vision.
• Vowles' Reaction: Despite the chaos, Vowles emerged unharmed and, in good spirits, promised 'revenge' on Sainz Sr. at Williams's next podium celebration.

The Big Picture:

Williams's consistent performance, capped by Sainz's podium in Qatar, cements their fifth-place position in the Constructors' Championship. With 137 points, they are 45 points clear of Racing Bulls, securing their standing before the final race of the season. This marks a significant improvement for the team under Vowles' leadership, showcasing their capability to challenge for top positions and indicating a positive trajectory for future seasons.

What's next:

Williams heads into the final race of the season having secured fifth in the Constructors' standings, a testament to their progress. While Vowles' 'revenge' is a playful promise, the team's upward trend suggests there will be more opportunities for chaotic, champagne-soaked celebrations in the future, potentially solidifying their status as 'the ones to watch in F1 2026' as they continue their development and aim for even higher achievements.