Carlos Sainz is set to join an elite club of F1 drivers who have raced for Ferrari, McLaren, and Williams. But the big question is, will he carve out his own legacy among these towering giants?
Jacky Ickx, Alain Prost, and Nigel Mansell are legendary names in Formula 1, each having raced for Ferrari, McLaren, and Williams. Now, Carlos Sainz will join them in 2025. With these teams boasting a combined 34 drivers’ titles and 33 constructors’ crowns, the pressure is undeniably on.
Unlike Red Bull and Mercedes, who have only been around since the mid-2000s, Ferrari, McLaren, and Williams have deep-rooted histories in Formula 1. McLaren has been competing since the 1960s, Williams since the 1970s, and Ferrari has been a constant since the sport’s inception.
Sainz’s predecessors have impressive records. Prost and Mansell collected 73 victories in 281 races for these teams. In contrast, Sainz has just three wins from 115 starts. It’s a steep hill to climb.
Sainz debuted in F1 alongside Max Verstappen in 2015. However, with Verstappen blocking his path at Red Bull, Sainz moved to Renault in 2017. His performance there was overshadowed by his teammate, Nico Hulkenberg. When Daniel Ricciardo joined Renault in 2019, Sainz was left without a seat, forcing him to move to McLaren.
At the time, McLaren seemed like a downgrade compared to Renault. But Sainz, alongside rookie Lando Norris, helped the team secure third place in the 2020 constructors’ championship. This revival was crucial for Sainz, earning him a seat at Ferrari in 2021 after Sebastian Vettel’s departure.
At Ferrari, Sainz faced a new challenge in teammate Charles Leclerc. While not as naturally talented as Leclerc, Sainz has proven to be more consistent, making fewer mistakes. Yet, he hasn’t been able to outperform Leclerc over a full season, trailing in both qualifying and overall points.
By 2025, with limited options, Sainz will join Williams, a team once dominant in F1 but now a struggling midfield squad. Under new management by James Vowles and ownership by Dorilton Capital, Williams aims to return to its glory days. Sainz’s experience and consistency could be pivotal in this journey.
James Vowles sees Sainz as sometimes the second-best driver on the grid, confident that Sainz can elevate Williams’ performance. The Spaniard will aim to bring the team back to the top, reminiscent of its heyday with Prost and Mansell.
Sainz’s task is monumental, but if he succeeds, it could be one of the most remarkable comebacks in F1 history.
Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams isn’t just a career shift; it’s a bold attempt to revive a legendary team. While he may never match the accolades of Prost and Mansell, his journey will be a compelling story in the 2025 season.
