The arrival of Carlos Sainz at Williams has generated significant excitement, and for good reason. With over 200 races in the top tier of motor racing, including 4 victories, 6 poles, and 27 podiums, his curriculum is undeniably impressive. Having competed for five teams – Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and now Williams – Sainz brings a wealth of experience to his new team.
Sainz is also renowned for being an excellent team player, as evidenced by his strong relationships with former teammates like Lando Norris at McLaren and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. This ability to build strong bonds with his colleagues has already been evident in his early interactions with Alex Albon, with whom he has quickly found a rapport,already earning the moniker “Carbon”.
James Vowles, the team principal at Williams, and the rest of the team’s leadership are thrilled to have Sainz on board, believing he will be instrumental in the team’s resurgence. According to Vowles, Sainz’s expertise has already raised the level of the team, providing valuable insights into aerodynamics that have confirmed they are on the right track.
Sainz has expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the importance of transparency and open communication between teammates. “If we want this team to be competitive again and fight again for victories, it is basic that Albon and I row in the same direction. We must sacrifice. It is better that we do not keep secrets. The ideal is to share everything to see if we can get a faster progress,” he emphasized.
Albon, too, has spoken highly of Sainz, describing him as a “very contrasted pilot” who has just come off one of his best years in F1. Albon is eager to learn from Sainz and believes their similar preferences when it comes to the car will facilitate a strong working relationship. Sainz reciprocated the sentiment, praising Albon’s experience and willingness to share his knowledge.
The pairing of Sainz and Albon has Williams optimistic about their prospects, with Vowles noting that Sainz’s analysis of the team’s aerodynamics has already provided valuable insights. While the team may not expect immediate results, Sainz’s motivation and enthusiasm are palpable, and he is excited to contribute to the team’s growth.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Sainz remains upbeat, citing the team’s positive energy and his confidence in his own abilities. With Sainz at the helm, Williams is poised to take a significant leap forward, and his partnership with Albon is expected to be a key factor in the team’s success. As Vowles aptly put it, “Now we have an expert who has won races, Carlos places us in a new dimension. He has significantly raised the level of the team.”