The arrival of Carlos Sainz at Williams is already proving valuable beyond the racetrack. The team has announced a new partnership with Santander, marking a fresh chapter for both Sainz and the UK-based team. Following his final race with Ferrari at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sainz was quickly back on track for a Williams filming day. The Spaniard joins Alex Albon at Williams in 2025, after making room for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.
Sainz’s Strategic Move
Sainz’s move to Williams was confirmed earlier this year, with a contract spanning at least until 2026. It represents a strategic coup for Williams, who have been looking to rebound from a challenging 2024 season where they finished ninth in the constructors’ championship, securing only 17 points. The signing is a testament to team principal James Vowles’ commitment to revitalise Williams’ competitive edge.
Partnership with Santander
The transition from Ferrari to Williams also paves the way for a significant partnership with Santander. The financial giant, previously associated with Ferrari, is set to join Sainz in his journey at Williams. We are delighted to partner with Williams Racing with a tactical agreement that allows us to keep offering exclusive experiences to our customers and continue to support Carlos Sainz in his new stage, stated Juan Manuel Cendoya, Santander’s global head of communications.
The partnership will see Santander branding on the Williams cars, with its first appearance during the end-of-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit. James Vowles expressed enthusiasm over the new alliance, highlighting it as a step in Williams’ transformation journey.
Santander’s Broader Involvement in F1
Apart from the partnership with Williams, Santander is becoming an official partner of Formula 1 itself starting next season. This involvement will include the bank’s logos on trackside signage across Grand Prix in major markets, including the US, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and the UK, enhancing its global brand presence in motorsport.
Sainz’s Future Vision
As Sainz looks forward to his debut with Williams, he is already strategising on improvements. After his last race with Ferrari, he mentioned his focus on understanding why certain elements work well in the car to apply them at Williams. Sainz is set to participate in the end-of-season test alongside Luke Browning, the Macau Grand Prix winner who previously drove in FP1 at Abu Dhabi.
Sainz shared, Being very honest with you, I don’t think it’s hard to move on. In my last laps, as much as I was pushing for this team, I was also starting to remember how the car feels—to apply this knowledge at Williams.
Looking Ahead
With Carlos Sainz and the partnership with Santander, Williams is moving in the right direction. This combination of driving prowess and financial backing could mark a turning point in the team’s fortunes. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how these strategic moves play out in the upcoming season.
