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With F1 ushering in a new set of regulations, Naomi Schiff backs Carlos Sainz as the one driver best equipped to succeed.
A lot has been made about Carlos Sainz and Williams struggling at testing recently. Neither Bahrain nor Barcelona were their best moments by any stretch of the imagination.
The weight of Williams’ new car poses a major challenge for them heading into the new season. But the pace of the car is also a big issue.
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Sainz admitted that Williams were exposed due to the new F1 regulations, with their development lagging far behind other teams.
For his part, Sainz has remained optimistic about Williams’ chances this season. And their success could come down to his experience this season.
READ MORE: ‘Angry’ Carlos Sainz must activate Williams exit clause after seeing 2.5-second gap in F1 testing
Carlos Sainz best equipped to handle new F1 regulations says Naomi Schiff
When asked to name the driver who has the best chance to succeed under the new F1 regulations, Naomi Schiff backed Carlos Sainz above any other driver.
Speaking on Up To Speed, she pointed to Sainz’s knowledge and experience in decision-making, thanks to how hands-on he is in the cockpit and with the engineers.
“I also think that the younger generation who are a little bit more used to being in their simulators, pressing a thousand buttons at a time, answering their chats, while video recording themselves and racing, will potentially also cope well with being in the car and having to open up their wings, close the wings, be consistent…”
“I think if I have to name one driver that I think will do well, and unfortunately, they didn’t make it to the first round of testing, I do think it’s Carlos Sainz because I think he does handle a lot in the cockpit, and he impresses me so much. He’s busy doing the engineer’s job for them.”
After missing the shakedown in Barcelona, Sainz will have to close the gap in his own time ahead of the Australian Grand Prix next weekend.
READ MORE: Carlos Sainz admits he’s suffering from same ‘complicated situation’ as Fernando Alonso in 2026
What impact will Williams missing the Barcelona shakedown test have on their 2026 season?
Carlos Sainz faces a mammoth challenge with Williams this season
It’s hard to see Williams being competitive beyond the midfield pack this season. Barring any miracles, they are likely to aim for a finish near the top half of the constructors’ table.
For a driver like Sainz, this can be tricky. Sainz acknowledged that he finds himself in a tricky situation similar to Fernando Alonso, but wants to do his best.
Sainz did earn Williams a podium finish last season, much to the surprise of fans. But expecting him to improve on his season from last year might be too much to ask of the Spaniard.
That isn’t to say that Sainz isn’t an excellent driver. But he’s limited by Williams’ gaps in testing, which is likely to carry over into the season.
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