Carlos Sainz is optimistic about Mercedes delivering a top-tier engine for the upcoming 2026 regulations. Having signed a multi-year deal with Williams, Sainz is one of many drivers to express confidence in Mercedes power units.
Having spent months in negotiations with James Vowles last year, Sainz was eventually convinced that Williams have a strong enough foundation to make big gains in 2026.
To achieve this, the Mercedes engine department must play their part.
Sainz explains why Mercedes are central to future Williams success
Like many other teams, Williams see 2025 as something of a transitional year.
With Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes established as front-runners, the best Williams can realistically aim for this year is the top 6.
This is not to say, as McLaren showed last year, that teams cannot make big gains in a short time frame.
However, in the context of the crash damages Williams suffered last year, their resource allocation for 2025 will be relatively limited.
Because of this, Carlos Sainz pinpoints the 2026 regulations as the team’s best chance to climb the year.
Alongside new aerodynamic rules, crucially, will be the arrival of new power units.
The differences between Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda, Audi and RBPT engines could define the 2026 packing order.
Sainz: The focus for Williams is 2026
Sainz is conscious of this – and it optimistic that Mercedes can lead the way:
“That’s the key year [2026] and we have to get off to a good start,” he told SoyMotor.
“If you get off to a good start, the rest will come much more easily.
“To achieve that, you have to have a slightly sacrificed 2025. Many of the things that you see us doing this year at the factory will be focused on 2026.
“I am aware that 2025 is going to be a year that is a bit more sacrificed than 2026.”
Inevitably, the next twelve months cannot be completely written off. Williams will be looking to establish themselves in the midfield.
Aside from the inherent value of any F1 season, having a strong 2025 can create positive momentum for next year.
Indeed, Williams began working on the FW47 relatively early to ensure they didn’t neglect this season.
The last thing James Vowles wants is for Carlos Sainz to join a team languishing at the back.
Mercedes have a vote of confidence
With that said, the Grove team are obviously focusing on 2026. Sainz is confident the Mercedes engine can play a pivotal role:
“If that works and 2026 is a year that we are going up, I think that the momentum that the whole team can get with the sponsors, the drivers and so on, can boost Williams a lot.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that one of the reasons I’ve gone to Williams is because of the Mercedes engine in 2026. It’s one of the reasons.
“So I hope that in that sense the Mercedes engine will be part of the success and the reconstruction of Williams.
“And that it will have an influence on that change in regulations.”
McLaren’s recent success, including the 2024 constructors title, came whilst being a Mercedes customer team.
As Williams invest in better facilities and expand their workforce, replicating the papaya outfit’s seems a plausible long-term goal.
Still, there are too many unknowns to guarantee what the future may hold for Carlos Sainz.
Although teammate Alex Albon has also shown confidence in Mercedes ahead of 2026, there is no telling which manufacturer will get the upper hand.
Because of this, the factory at Grove must ensure their aerodynamic concept can make the difference when the next generation arrives.
