Carlos Sainz’s transfer from Ferrari to Williams for the 2025 System 1 season might initially seem to be a serious step down, particularly given the high-performance standing of the Scuderia’s title-challenging automobile. On paper, the shift to a group that has lengthy struggled behind the grid could possibly be seen as a downgrade. Nevertheless, Ted Kravitz believes that Williams will make important progress with Carlos Sainz on board, suggesting that the group received’t be languishing among the many backmarkers for lengthy with the Spaniard’s arrival. Though Ferrari selected to switch him with the game’s seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz’s power on observe, notably compared to Hamilton, is evident.
Nevertheless, together with his transfer to Williams, Carlos Sainz will now face Alex Albon as a teammate, somewhat than his earlier Ferrari counterpart Charles Leclerc. This transformation could possibly be seen as a barely much less difficult prospect for the 29-year-old, giving him a unique dynamic in his battles on observe.
That stated, David Croft has identified that Williams’ aspirations for 2025 have already been impacted by the crash injury that affected their funds on the tail finish of this season, probably complicating issues for each Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon as they put together for the upcoming marketing campaign.
Nonetheless, Guenther Steiner has praised the Spaniard’s signing as an enormous step ahead for Williams, referring to it as akin to profitable the “lottery.” For a group that has spent years struggling in the direction of the again, the acquisition of a driver of Carlos Sainz’s caliber is a game-changer, not only for the current but additionally for the long-term future.
Williams has outlined its imaginative and prescient of returning to the entrance of the grid within the coming seasons, and Carlos Sainz’s intensive expertise in preventing on the high will likely be a crucial asset in serving to them attain that purpose. His insights and experience in automobile growth will present Williams with a definite benefit over different midfield opponents. Steiner emphasised that Sainz’s contribution might play a vital position in shaping Williams’ future success, making his arrival a pivotal second for the group.
“Williams actually received a profitable lottery ticket with Carlos now within the group as a result of he will certainly work onerous to carry the group ahead,” he stated – “To make the group [better] or not, I can’t say that, I don’t know precisely what’s occurring at Williams. However, as a employee and somebody who additionally has the expertise of group, you all the time must do not forget that Carlos was at Pink Bull and Ferrari. That’s it, already expertise from massive groups which you can assist in a group like Williams.” – the previous Haas group boss identified.
What can Williams count on from the 2025 F1 season with Carlos Sainz?
James Vowles has acknowledged that Carlos Sainz’s arrival at Williams will affect their focus for the 2025 season, as they goal to push the boundaries of their automobile growth efforts. Whereas the group hopes to be aggressive subsequent 12 months, their true precedence lies in getting ready for the 2026 season, which is able to carry new technical laws.
Although it could be overly optimistic to count on Williams to problem for a championship in 2026, the transformation of Brawn GP serves as a strong reminder of how a serious rule change can disrupt the established order.
Brawn GP, beforehand generally known as Honda in 2008, entered the season after being bought for simply £1, developed the quickest automobile, and ended up profitable each the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships of their solely season. This outstanding turnaround is a cautionary story for Williams’ rivals, illustrating that if the group dedicates its full assets to the 2026 season, they might obtain the same stage of success.