Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams was one of the highlights from this year’s driver market. The Spaniard is unlikely to fight for podiums at Williams in 2025 – instead aiming to climb the field over the next few years.
Sainz: Williams are working towards the 2026 regulations
For obvious reasons, going from Ferrari to Williams is a step down the pecking order.
Carlos Sainz and the Scuderia only narrowly missed out on this year’s constructors title – whilst James Vowles’ team finished the season in second to last.
Of course, this is not to suggest Williams cannot climb the field over the coming years.
The majority of the team’s resources are being put towards the 2026 regulations. New infrastructure and personnel will increase their chances of competing with the established front-runners.
With that said, this process is far from instant. After making fundamental changes to their design and manufacturing process last winter, Williams’ 2024 package fell behind schedule.
The volume of Colapinto and Albon’s late-season crashes hasn’t helped the Grove factory’s efforts to catch up for 2025.
Sainz all-in on the Williams project
Aware that next year could be an uphill battle, Sainz makes clear he is enthusiastic about the challenge:
“It’s impossible to know how it’s going to take me and Williams to be back fighting for podium positions,” The Race quotes him as saying.
“James [Vowles] said it the other day and calmed everyone’s expectations – next year is going to be tough, and a learning year before the change of regulations in 2026.
“Where I believe the team is investing, and the team is preparing to maximise that chance.
“I’m determined as ever to help that team to be back where it belongs.
“I personally feel like I belong fighting for wins, podiums and top fives… I’ve proven it these last four years.
“But Williams also belongs to fighting for these top five and podium places…
“The target is to get Williams and myself fighting for those positions in the near future.”
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A fine balancing act for James Vowles
On paper, there is no reason for Williams to make a significant step between this year and 2025.
In this sense, Carlos Sainz (and the paddock more broadly) won’t expect fireworks from the Grove-based outfit in the next twelve months.
However, an underwhelming 2025 campaign will only heighten the importance of Williams hitting the ground running when the next regulations arrive.
Sainz might believe in James Vowles’ vision, but a slow start in 2026 will not inspire confidence that success is attainable in the near future.
Like any team with aspirations of jumping from the midfield to the front, only results on track matter.
Sainz has certainly shown his willingness to drive Williams forward. His work ethic in the Abu Dhabi post-season test captured attention across the field.
There can be no doubt the Spaniard will fully commit to the British outfit.
With that said, as James Vowles has outlined previously, keeping a driver of Sainz’s calibre for the long-term will require significant progress within the next three seasons.
