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Carlos Sainz has endured a turbulent start to life as a Williams Formula 1 driver but did manage to secure his first point for the team at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The Spaniard was dropped in favour of Lewis Hamilton by Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season and took months to scour the Formula 1 driver market before making a decision on his next move.
Eventually, he picked Williams as his destination. There was a belief that their long-term Formula 1 project is one of the most exciting on the grid currently.
After just two races, they may have proven Sainz’s decision right. Already they have improved from ninth in the constructors’ championship to fourth after two races this season.
Sainz was baffled by a ‘weird’ Chinese Grand Prix problem after complaining about his seat throughout the weekend.
It may have affected his pace but it doesn’t explain the gap to his new teammate. Williams staff have noticed an amazing change in Alex Albon after the arrival of his new competition. It may have elevated his performance levels.
Williams may be worried after Carlos Sainz’s Chinese Grand Prix ‘reality check’
Sainz didn’t have the most exciting days in Shanghai on his way to a 12th-placed finish. He was later promoted to 10th after the disqualification of both Ferrari cars.
Peter Windsor believes that despite scoring points, the day was tough for the Spaniard who finished 20 seconds behind Albon.
“Alex Albon had another beautiful day, he’s really going well in that car,” he said. “Carlos Sainz meanwhile had a reality check day yesterday and also today racing with the Alpines and with everyone in the back of the midfield.
“Not what Carlos Sainz I guess imagined would be the case at Williams. He doesn’t look as sharp in the car or as sublimely quick as Albon. I said at the time when he went to Williams that it would be a mistake because he needed to beat him and that was never going to be easy.”
There are just under two weeks before the Japanese Grand Prix, where Williams endured a miserable result in 2024.
They’ll be hoping for more than 17th from their cars this time, which appear to be the fifth-fastest on the grid on pure pace currently.
Liam Lawson’s struggles prove Carlos Sainz made right decision to join Williams over Red Bull
Sainz had options to explore last year, with seats at Mercedes, Red Bull, Aston Martin and Williams available for 2025 just to name a few.
A Red Bull reunion was unlikely but still on the cards. His history with Max Verstappen didn’t make any talks easier.
Helmut Marko was hesitant to partner Sainz with Verstappen because he wants to make sure that the reigning champion is as comfortable as possible.
After Liam Lawson has failed to qualify higher than 18th in three sessions as a Red Bull driver in the dreaded second cockpit, Sainz may have been right to choose Williams anyway.
There’s no guarantee that he would be able to tame the car any better than the Kiwi has so far, and it could have damaged his reputation.
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