Entering the inaugural races of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Carlos Sainz confesses to feeling slightly disoriented. He attributes this to the inadequate pre-season testing available to the drivers. Despite his commendable performance during the solitary pre-season test in Bahrain where he posted the fastest time in the significantly enhanced FW47, Sainz admits to feeling somewhat at sea.
In Sainz’s view, the current testing regulations are a source of frustration. He advocates for the ability to exchange simulator time for real track experiences. In a candid admission to select media outlets, including Motorsport Week, Sainz disclosed that a number of test items remained untried in his one-and-a-half-day stint in the vehicle prior to the season-opener in Australia.
A seasoned veteran when it comes to team switching, Sainz admits to approaching his inaugural qualifying session with Williams with a degree of uncertainty, unsure of how to fully harness the vehicle’s capabilities.
In Sainz’s words, there is no such thing as a good or bad car. Instead, each vehicle presents a unique set of challenges that demand the driver to utilize all their skills and tools. He acknowledges that some aspects of the car come naturally to him, while others do not.
Sainz openly admits to his struggle in identifying the final bits of performance in the car, a predicament that he believes will follow him into the initial races. He describes feeling ‘a bit lost’, uncertain of whether to focus on entry speeds, minimum speeds, or exits.
There is a silver lining, however. Sainz acknowledges that these uncertainties are prevalent amongst all drivers who have switched teams. In fact, except for two teams, all others have revised their driver line-ups, a move triggered by the Lewis Hamilton deal that cost Sainz his position with Ferrari.
Sainz perceives 2025 to be the most closely contested season in recent times, and he believes that those who adapt fastest could reap significant benefits. Citing the close competition amongst the top teams, he especially recognizes the challenges of team switching, emphasizing the importance of minimizing disruption and avoiding unnecessary loss of positions and points.
As Sainz settles into his new role with Williams, he is aware that understanding the nuances of a new car and a new team requires more than just a day and a half of testing. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic as he faces the upcoming season, ready to discover the potential of the Williams FW47.
