The Formula 1 world was rocked earlier this year by the announcement that Lewis Hamilton would be joining Ferrari in 2025. This surprising move signalled that Carlos Sainz would lose his seat at the prestigious Maranello-based team. The rumour mill went into overdrive, with speculations about Sainz possibly signing with Mercedes or even Red Bull Racing.
After extensive negotiations with various teams, including Sauber and a late consideration from Alpine, it was finally revealed in July that Sainz would be driving for Williams in 2025 on a multi-year deal. With Sergio Perez re-signing for Red Bull and Mercedes opting for the young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Hamilton, Sainz’s options were limited.
A New Chapter with Williams
Despite Ferrari’s current momentum, which includes five wins in 2024—three by Charles Leclerc at Monaco, Monza, and the USA; and two by Sainz in Australia and Mexico—Williams offers a new challenge. Ferrari currently trails behind McLaren in the constructors’ standings, marking a competitive season for the Scuderia.
Sainz’s Stellar Performance in Mexico
Sainz’s win in Mexico was nothing short of remarkable. He dominated the weekend, consistently placing in the top three in practice sessions and securing his first pole of the season with a stellar qualifying lap. After briefly losing the lead to Max Verstappen at the first corner, Sainz retook control on lap nine and finished 4.7 seconds ahead of Lando Norris, clinching his fourth career F1 victory. He expressed his joy to Sky Sports by stating, “I think everyone knew I wanted one more race win with Ferrari. I felt like I also deserved it.”
Looking ahead, many speculate that Sainz might have to wait for a while before tasting victory again. Williams hasn’t won a Grand Prix since Pastor Maldonado’s triumph in Barcelona in 2012, making the prospect of a win in the foreseeable future uncertain.
A Historic but Challenging Team
Williams, with a storied past, has found itself struggling at the back of the grid in recent years. After a decent finish in seventh last year under Dorilton Capital’s ownership, it currently ranks just above Sauber, showing signs of life with a promising 10-point haul in Azerbaijan.
Rookie driver Franco Colapinto has caught the eye with his performances, sparking discussions of a potential move to Red Bull next season. Meanwhile, Alex Albon has thrived as a Williams driver, contributing the majority of the team’s points. Sainz’s arrival will present Albon with a fresh challenge, one that the Anglo-Thai driver will undoubtedly relish.
A Promising Duo for 2025
Sainz’s partnership with Albon promises to be one of the grid’s most exciting pairings. Having compared favourably against teammates like Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, Sainz will bring a wealth of experience from top teams to Williams. Both he and Albon share past experiences as former teammates of Max Verstappen and have faced similar career roadblocks.
Williams’ team principal, James Vowles, has described Albon and Sainz as potentially the best duo on the grid. Their combined experience and maturity are expected to guide Williams into the new F1 regulations in 2026. This timeframe offers a chance for Williams to climb the ranks, leveraging improvements in their infrastructure.
The Road Ahead
Sainz may experience a year of challenges with Williams if performance remains stagnant in 2025. However, patience could be his ally as new regulations in 2026 could offer opportunities for progress. His signing is a strategic move for Williams, aiming to combine his expertise with Albon’s, fostering a dynamic environment for future growth.
The Sainz-Albon combination holds significant potential for Williams. If the team can produce a competitive car, it might mark a turning point in their fortunes. For Sainz, his journey with Williams could be a fruitful chapter, both for his career and the team’s resurgence.
