In a candid assessment of the upcoming 2025 Formula One season, Carlos Sainz has leveled with his fans, urging them to temper their expectations for his debut season with Williams. His remarks follow an impressive performance during the F1 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain, where he set the fastest time.
Forced to relinquish his seat at Ferrari due to the arrival of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Sainz subsequently inked a multi-year agreement with Williams. Despite his two grand prix victories in 2024, taking his career total to four, Sainz finds himself in a team that is more focused on perfecting their new chassis and engine regulations for the 2026 season rather than chasing podium finishes in 2025.
Sainz, however, has urged his fans not to inflate their hopes. According to Marca, Sainz said, “I’m sure you’re not going to see me on the podium or in the top five this year, so don’t get too motivated.” But, he reassured them he did not join Williams to merely make up the numbers, stating, “If I came to Williams, it’s to take this team forward and I’m confident that I can do it.”
During the pre-season testing in Bahrain, Sainz demonstrated that he is committed to delivering on his promise. He emphasized his long-term vision for his tenure at Williams, underlining his confidence in steering the team towards a brighter future.
In terms of his personal goals for his inaugural race with Williams, Sainz revealed that he is setting his sights on securing points. He underscored that scoring points should be their objective at the onset of the season. Sainz believes demanding more would be an overreach.
Sainz is optimistic about his ability to add value to the Williams team, especially during race conditions. He pointed out that Ferrari was not far off the pace from Haas and Williams in the middle of the grid last year. He noted that the difference becomes more pronounced during race pace, as the gap widens considerably, and that’s where he believes he can play a critical role in enhancing the team’s performance.
With Alex Albon, who is entering his fourth season with the team, as his partner at Williams, Sainz is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that the new era of F1, starting in 2026, will bring.
