Carlos Sainz joined Williams for the 2025 season after Ferrari announced their decision to let the Spaniard leave following the expiry of his contract. So far, his debut season for the Oxfordshire-based team has not been easy, with the 31-year-old only able to score 16 points out of 15 races. This has left him far behind his teammate Alex Albon in the standings.
However, despite 2025 not going to plan for Sainz, the four-time grand prix winner still believes that choosing Williams was the right choice. Carlos still thinks that the sleeping giant team he joined can make him become a world champion.
Carlos Sainz to use previous experiences to help Williams challenge
Williams has won nine constructor championships, the last coming in 1997. Drawing on his experiences at Ferrari, Sainz spoke to the PA News Agency, telling them he can help the team develop in the right way to challenge for titles.
After being asked if he can become a world champion at Williams, Sainz said: “Yes. If there’s one thing I’ve taken over from Ferrari and my other experiences, it is that I know that with the right people around me, I can develop a competitive car and team.
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“I get a lot of confidence from that. From knowing that I know how to guide a big organisation to go in the right direction, what the car needs to perform, what is the right structure for a team, and I’m keen to help Williams on that.
“I see everything back at base, back at the factory responding, and everything is going the way I want it to go. It’s a matter of whether we can deliver it or not, obviously, but I feel like it’s still the right place for me for the future.”
Sainz has demonstrated throughout his F1 career that, given the right car, he can perform effectively. The Spaniard has 27 podiums, some of which were achieved in Ferrari and McLaren cars, which were not the quickest. Given a chance, Sainz could push Williams to their first driver’s title since 1997.
Can Williams be optimistic for 2026?
Williams currently occupies P5 in the constructors’ championship, and is 18 points clear of sixth-placed Aston Martin. Under the stewardship of James Vowles, Williams has become a midfield challenger after years of propping up the grid. There is optimism that 2026 could be a significant year for Williams as they look to recreate their former glory.
The 2026 season will have a new set of regulations. This gives all teams a blank slate to start from. Williams has devoted most of their development time to the 2026 car, meaning they gets a head start on other teams focusing on winning the midfield battle.
Another plus for Williams is that Mercedes is predicted to have the best power unit on the grid. It could be reminiscent of the new regulation cycle in 2014, where Williams was one of the quickest teams on the grid.
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They also have a strong driver lineup. Carlos Sainz has won four grand prix and driven at the front of the field. Having coped with the pressure of driving for Ferrari, Sainz should have the mentality to cope with a title fight.
Alex Albon has been at Grove for the past four seasons, giving the team stability and consistency. He has also displayed a strong mentality. After being dropped by Red Bull and not having a seat for the 2021 season, he bounced back with Williams and has shown strong pace. He is on course for his best season yet with the team, currently sitting in P8 in the championship.
With this combination, Williams goes into 2026 in good standing. It is up to the team to deliver the car the drivers need. But where do you think Williams will end up next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
