Carlos Sainz is ready to make his Williams debut through the post-season Abu Dhabi take a look at, marking a big step in his transition to the group following Ferrari’s choice to switch him with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for 2025. Sainz will pilot the present FW46 within the days following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, permitting him an early alternative to combine together with his new group forward of partnering Alex Albon subsequent season.
Williams described the take a look at as an opportunity for Sainz to start “constructing their relationship” and getting acclimated earlier than formally becoming a member of the Grove-based outfit. Nevertheless, F1 commentator Peter Windsor has labeled this growth as “one of many saddest bits of stories,” citing the Spaniard’s unfulfilled potential and missed alternatives elsewhere.
Windsor Doubts Pink Bull Future for Sainz
Sainz’s free-agent standing earlier this 12 months positioned him as probably the most sought-after drivers within the paddock, particularly after he broke Pink Bull’s dominance with a surprising win on the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. His victory in Australia this season, capitalizing on Max Verstappen’s brake failure, additional solidified his popularity.
Regardless of these achievements, Carlos Sainz’s rumored transfer to Pink Bull fell via after the group prolonged Sergio Perez’s contract earlier within the 12 months. Sergio Perez’s struggles since then, which have value Pink Bull second place within the Constructors’ Championship, have led to hypothesis that Christian Horner is likely to be reconsidering the choice. Peter Windsor, nevertheless, believes Carlos Sainz’s Williams dedication successfully ends any likelihood of him becoming a member of Pink Bull in 2025, at the same time as talks between Horner and Williams Group Principal James Vowles reportedly occurred concerning the Spanish driver.
“One of many saddest bits of stories is that he’s going to be within the Williams in Abu Dhabi take a look at. Meaning any likelihood of going to Pink Bull is over and he’s going to be in that Williams. What a ridiculous waste of a gifted driver,” Peter Windsor defined.
Did Carlos Sainz Miss a Golden Alternative with Audi?
Sainz additionally turned down curiosity from Audi, who had prioritized him as a accomplice for Nico Hulkenberg of their formidable F1 challenge. As a substitute, the German producer, which is ready to take full management of Sauber in 2026, opted to signal Gabriel Bortoleto after failing to safe Sainz.
Whereas Audi’s present marketing campaign has been underwhelming, latest backing from Qatar’s rich buyers has reignited optimism about their long-term competitiveness. Carlos Sainz Sr., the two-time World Rally Champion, reportedly urged his son “a thousand occasions” to contemplate Audi, citing their sturdy monetary backing and plans to speed up infrastructure growth. Against this, Williams’ ongoing rebuild stays a slower course of.
What Lies Forward for Carlos Sainz?
As Carlos Sainz gears up for his Williams stint, the choice to affix the group as a substitute of ready for alternatives at Pink Bull or Audi is bound to spark debate. Whereas Williams presents an opportunity to spearhead their revival, it raises questions on whether or not the Spaniard has sacrificed potential race-winning alternatives for the short-term stability of a midfield seat. For now, the Abu Dhabi take a look at marks the start of a brand new chapter for Carlos Sainz, one laden with each challenges and prospects.
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