Carlos Sainz Jr. joined Ferrari in 2021. The Spaniard has racked up four wins and 23 podiums with the Scuderia. However, before the start of this season, Ferrari announced the signing of Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. This left Sainz without a seat in F1, before finally agreeing to join Williams on a ‘multi-year’ deal.
The 30-year-old multiple race winner’s good form has helped Ferrari jump ahead of Red Bull to second in the constructor’s championship. Sainz is ending his time in Maranello in good form and with a car capable of challenging for wins. However, Sainz has a feeling Ferrari could be challenging to win the world championship next season.
Carlos Sainz reflects on “bittersweet” ending to time at Ferrari
Having won the Mexico Grand Prix, Sainz is ‘optimistic’ Ferrari can win more races. However, moving away from Maranello with such a fast car is making the Spaniard feel a bit down. He said: “Given how good the car is, how well I’m driving recently, you know, it’s obviously optimistic going into the last five races.
“At the same time, bittersweet because it gives me a feeling Ferrari might be in the fight for the World Championship next year and I will not be there to use it. I feel like I’ve been quite a big part of this team during the last four years trying to prepare the team to fight for that championship next year.”
SMOOTH OPERATOR SAINZ SAILS TO VICTORY IN MEXICO!
Norris finishes in P2, with Charles Leclerc taking P3.#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/YcXYNTJvt0
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 27, 2024
“I’m driving well, being fast with the car and I’m living in [four] races definitely leaves me a bit… I don’t know how to say it, but not with a very good feeling. But it’s what it is. I’m going to try and, as I’ve said, win more races, stand on the podium for as long as I can.”
Carlos is leaving Ferrari knowing they have a car capable of challenging for the championship next season. They are a team on an upward curve and with minor tweaks, could be the fastest car around before the new regulations in 2026. But what is next for Sainz?
What can Sainz expect next season at Williams?
Sainz will join Alex Albon at Williams next season. The British outfit is currently sitting eighth in the championship with just 17 points. Albon himself has scored on just four occasions so far this season. But why has Williams struggled?
There are many reasons why Williams has struggled this season. Their facilities are outdated and need major investment, meaning they are spending less on car development. The car itself was too heavy to begin with and both Albon and former teammate Logan Sergent have cost the team dearly with big crashes.
Next season might be a struggle for the Oxfordshire-based team, but with the new regulations in 2026, that year could be anyone’s game. Back in 2014, after a massive regulation change, Williams was the third-fastest team. So there are reasons for Sainz to be optimistic.
