Carlos Sainz’s Formula 1 career has taken a dramatic turn. From pushing Charles Leclerc to the limit at Ferrari—claiming six pole positions and four Grand Prix victories—to now facing an uncertain future at Williams, Sainz is stepping into the unknown.
As Ferrari replaced him with Lewis Hamilton, Sainz was forced to leave behind a team primed for a title fight. And at Williams, he openly admits: he has no idea if he’ll ever win a race again.
Yet, instead of frustration, Sainz is embracing the fresh start with surprising optimism.
Sainz Backs Ferrari for 2025 Title Fight: “They’re Ready”
At Williams’ FW47 launch at Silverstone, Sainz was asked about his former team’s prospects in 2025. After Ferrari’s agonizing 14-point loss to McLaren in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, Sainz believes they now have all the tools to win big.
“I remember saying to all the Ferrari people when I left that they are ready to fight for championships and win a championship this year.”
“All the learning processes that I’m doing right now with Williams—when I left Ferrari, the team was bang on, perfect to go for it.”
While Lewis Hamilton’s arrival remains an unknown, Sainz is certain about Charles Leclerc’s ability to take Ferrari to the top.
“I know Charles is ready to fight for a championship.”
It’s a bold statement from a driver who went toe-to-toe with Leclerc, proving he was more than just a second driver at Ferrari. But now, his focus is on Williams—a team far from title contention.
New Chapter at Williams: From Winning Races to Building a Team
Sainz knows that his new reality at Williams is vastly different from Ferrari.
At Williams, podiums aren’t expected, and wins are a distant dream. However, rather than dwelling on what he lost, Sainz is embracing the opportunity to help rebuild a legendary F1 team.
“I always say first impressions are very important because you only have one chance to make a first impression.”
“And the first impression I had back in the [2024 post-season] test in Abu Dhabi, and the first impression I had of the factory and this FW47, was very positive.”
Sainz sees Williams as a team with hunger and drive, even if they aren’t competing for wins in the near future.
“I see people full of motivation, goodwill, and proud of Williams to bring this team forward.”
“We have had a very good winter and a very good test in Abu Dhabi, so I’m happy, and I just want to go racing.”
For now, Sainz isn’t fixated on what he left behind at Ferrari. Instead, he’s focused on helping Williams move up the grid, embracing the long road ahead with determination rather than disappointment.
Can Sainz Lead Williams’ Revival?
With Ferrari and McLaren poised for a title fight, Sainz is playing the long game. Williams is still a midfield team, but with Sainz’s experience and hunger, they could be in for a significant leap forward.
He may not be fighting for wins right away, but don’t count him out just yet.
Because if there’s one thing Sainz has proven throughout his career, it’s that he never backs down from a challenge.