In a sport where drivers often chase personal glory, Carlos Sainz is embracing a mission far greater than himself. After being unceremoniously ousted from Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton, Sainz made a shocking move to Williams—one of F1’s most legendary yet struggling teams. And according to the Spaniard, standing on the podium with Williams would be the crowning achievement of his career.
From Ferrari to Williams: A Risk or a Legacy in the Making?
Sainz’s switch to Williams wasn’t just about finding a seat—it was about restoring a fallen giant. In joining the team, he now shares an elite connection with motorsport greats like Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost, who also raced for McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams—the three most successful teams in Formula 1 history.
However, Williams is far from its former glory. The once-dominant team hasn’t tasted victory since 2012, and its last championship dates back to 1997. In the past two decades, Williams has gone from being the pinnacle of engineering brilliance to struggling in the midfield and backmarker territory. But under the leadership of team principal James Vowles, the Grove-based outfit is undergoing a massive transformation aimed at returning to the front of the grid when new regulations take effect in 2026.
For Sainz, this challenge is not a setback—it’s an opportunity to make history.
“My Proudest Moment” – Why Sainz Sees This as His Defining F1 Legacy
While he has four Grand Prix wins under his belt, Sainz claims that standing on a podium in Williams colors would eclipse all his previous achievements.
“If you would have asked me when I was 10 years old, which teams I would have loved to drive for one day, I would have definitely picked those three [McLaren, Ferrari, Williams],” Sainz revealed.
“I’m in my 10th year in Formula 1, and I’m joining Williams at a very important moment where it’s going through some key changes in its history. Nothing would make me happier or prouder—it would definitely be the proudest moment of my career if one day I can be on a podium with this team.”
Sainz is not looking at this move as a downgrade, nor is he lamenting his Ferrari exit. Instead, he is embracing the responsibility of helping rebuild an icon—something few drivers have the patience or passion to pursue.
“I want to help in that process, to bring back this historic team,” he continued. “It’s the second most successful team in Formula 1, and being part of that journey back to the top is what motivates me.”
Williams’ New Era: Can Sainz Be the Catalyst?
While Williams still faces an uphill battle, Sainz believes that his experience and leadership can help accelerate the team’s resurgence. He has already seen a difference in how Williams operates compared to Ferrari, and he’s optimistic about what lies ahead.
“I feel supported by this team, and I think that’s hopefully going to bring the best version of myself,” Sainz concluded.
With a bold new vision, increasing financial backing, and Sainz’s determination, could this be the moment Williams finally reclaims its place among F1’s elite?
The journey won’t be easy, but if Carlos Sainz can help put Williams back on the podium, it will be a motorsport fairytale for the ages.