Carlos Sainz is still finding his groove at Williams, despite a promising start during pre-season testing.
Setting the fastest lap in Bahrain before the season kicked off, Sainz displayed speed that suggested he could be a powerhouse in the Williams team. Although his pre-season performance raised eyebrows and expectations, the real race conditions have proven to be an ongoing learning experience for Sainz after his move from Ferrari.
Sainz’s initial performances have not quite matched the high hopes established early on. Despite qualifying ahead of teammate Alex Albon in Bahrain, Sainz has yet to surpass Albon on race day. He acknowledges that his quick times during testing fueled excitement, leading to elevated expectations. However, he stresses that acclimating to a new car takes time, particularly when pushing it to its limits.
Speaking to a Spanish broadcaster, Sainz mentioned, ‘I was expecting it to take some time to get up to speed with the car.’ His rapid pace in testing, especially in Abu Dhabi, set an unrealistic bar that he is now trying to match in real race settings. As Sainz pushes the Williams car harder, he admits his lack of deep understanding becomes more apparent, especially noticeable in places like Australia, China, and Japan.
The journey of gelling with a new team is common in Formula 1, and for someone of Sainz’s experience, the pressure to perform immediately is intense. He admitted, ‘It’s not the ideal situation because I wish I had more points,’ acknowledging the reality of the adaptation process. The focus remains on eventual success, even if immediate results are lacking.
Sainz is optimistic about Williams’s future, particularly with the improvements slated for 2026. A new simulator is on the horizon, promising better preparations and insights before hitting the track. With a supportive environment and talented teammates like Albon, Sainz remains confident that he will rise to the challenge once he’s fully adjusted.
While some areas have already seen improvements under his influence, others still require fine-tuning. Sainz remains dedicated to unlocking the full potential of the car, knowing that aligning his strengths with those of the team is key. Meanwhile, teammate Alex Albon continues to impress, performing at his best, which Sainz sees as a benchmark to aspire to.
As Carlos Sainz continues to adapt to Williams, patience and perseverance are his guiding principles. Despite the initial hurdles, he remains focused on enhancing his performance and making the most of the upcoming opportunities in the team.
