Struggling Sainz Blames Ferrari Influence for Poor Performance at Williams
Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz is pointing fingers at his previous team, Ferrari, for his lackluster performance at Williams. Sainz, who has been struggling to match his teammate Alex Albon’s pace in qualifying sessions, believes that habits he developed while driving for Ferrari are holding him back at his new team.
The Spanish driver admits that he needs to make significant changes to his driving style and approach to better suit the demands of the Williams car. Sainz acknowledges that what worked for him at Ferrari simply does not translate to success in his current vehicle. He explained, “I was used to a certain type of car in Ferrari, which made me end up driving in a very specific way… You fall into habits in your driving that then you apply to the next car.”
Analyzing GPS data from the Chinese Grand Prix, it was evident that Sainz’s aggressive approach to corners, braking late and carrying more speed into the apex, was compromising his exit speed compared to Albon. While these differences may not always impact lap times significantly, Sainz believes that adjusting his cornering technique could unlock performance gains.
Despite recognizing the need for change, Sainz acknowledges the challenge of relearning his driving style, especially under the pressure of qualifying sessions. He emphasized the mental effort required to break old habits and adapt to the unique characteristics of the Williams car. Sainz remains optimistic about overcoming this hurdle, drawing on his past experiences of adapting to new cars and regulations throughout his career.
As Sainz continues to acclimate to his new team and car, the Formula 1 world will be watching closely to see if he can make the necessary adjustments to unleash his full potential at Williams.
