Carlos Sainz revealed that he began mentally preparing for his transition to Williams while driving his final laps for Ferrari during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With his move to Williams already confirmed, the Spaniard admitted that he was analyzing Ferrari’s performance on Sunday to better understand how to elevate his new team’s car during post-season testing.
“A Head Start on Williams”
Sainz’s Ferrari swan song was as much about closing one chapter as it was about preparing for the next. Reflecting on his approach, Sainz said:
“My last laps, as much as I was pushing like hell for [Ferrari], I was already starting to feel things in the car and trying to say, ‘remember how this feels,’ because Monday and Tuesday I need to remember why this car is quick in certain corners and why it feels good,” Sainz said.
Understanding the characteristics that made Ferrari competitive in key areas, Sainz noted, will serve as a benchmark to pinpoint where Williams can improve.
“I know probably what I’m going to find [in the Williams] needs some margin of improvement in the corners that I was feeling the car [in Ferrari]. This just sums up that I’m already looking ahead. I’m extremely motivated for the challenge that I have ahead of me.”
A Motivated Farewell
While Sainz was already looking toward his new journey, he remained committed to making his Ferrari farewell memorable. “Sunday was a day to try and enjoy as much as possible with the team as my last day in red. We still have some days in Maranello coming up, but my competitive mind is already looking forward to Monday and Tuesday.”
Sainz Shines in Williams Debut
After saying his goodbyes at Ferrari, Sainz wasted no time diving into his Williams tenure. He participated in Monday’s filming day on demonstration tires and took part in Tuesday’s Pirelli tire test, where he showcased his work ethic and adaptability. Completing a remarkable 146 laps—the highest of any driver—Sainz ended the day second on the timesheets, just behind former Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
Spending much of the day atop the leaderboard, Sainz’s pace served as an early indicator of his potential impact on Williams. His insights into Ferrari’s strengths could prove invaluable as he collaborates with the team to close the gap to the midfield.
Eyes on the Future
The move to Williams marks a fresh start for Sainz, and his proactive approach underscores his determination to transform the team’s fortunes. From extracting key lessons during his final Ferrari laps to immediately diving into intense testing, Sainz has demonstrated the focus and drive that could make him a critical figure in Williams’ resurgence.
As the 2025 season approaches, Sainz is not just switching teams—he’s bringing with him the tools to help Williams take a decisive step forward.
