Carlos Sainz admits he’s missing one thing about Ferrari amid Williams struggles at British Grand Prix

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Williams were a disappointment in qualifying for their home Grand Prix on Saturday. Both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon went out in Q2.

Sainz pulled the qualifying head-to-head with Albon back to 7-5, offering him some personal encouragement. He was three spots ahead in P11, with both drivers due to benefit from Oliver Bearman’s 10-place penalty.

But Williams have lost momentum after a magnificent start to the season. They have only scored one point across the last three weekends heading into the British Grand Prix.

Albon has failed to finish any of the last three races, while Sainz didn’t even make the start in Austria. It’s not as if the pace is there either – they’ve only made one Q3 appearance since Monaco.

Carlos Sainz says he misses fighting for F1 pole positions

Speaking to DAZN after qualifying, Sainz sounded down despite outpacing Albon. Halfway through his first season at Williams, he’s only scored 13 points.

He knew this year would be difficult. James Vowles has long said that his team are prioritising the 2026 regulation changes, a chance to jump up the order.

They were the first team to halt wind tunnel development of their car. From that standpoint, their regression in the midfield battle may be predictable.

Sainz, though, can’t help but look across to his former team Ferrari. The two drivers were frustrated to end up on the third row, but they have shown contending pace this weekend.

“I miss being in the fight for pole,” said Sainz. “It frustrates me to be 11th, but we warned that we were going to put everything into next year’s car.”

Does Carlos Sainz have a contractual route out of Williams?

Sainz won’t judge Williams for at least another 18 months or so. He accepted the possibility of short-term pain in the hope of winning races during the next rules cycle.

It was perhaps telling that Sainz rejected any talk of rejoining Red Bull on Thursday. There could be a seat open if Max Verstappen decides to join Mercedes.

Sainz’s contract runs until the end of 2026, with subsequent options for 2027 and 2028. Albon also signed a multi-year deal last season.

Williams are still on course for their best constructors’ position since 2017. They have a 19-point gap over Racing Bulls directly behind.