Carlos Sainz will link up with Alex Albon at Williams this season after four seasons next to Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. And James Vowles will be encouraged by what he’s seen so far.
Sainz has already partnered some of the highest-rated drivers on the Formula 1 grid. He started his career alongside Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso, and the Dutchman has now gone on to win four world championships.
After a brief stint at Renault with Nico Hulkenberg, he went up against the rookie Lando Norris in 2019. That pairing lasted two seasons before Sainz succeeded Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari.
While Leclerc had a narrow edge, Sainz was almost always close to the Monegasque and beat him fairly regularly. There were occasional flashpoints in their relationship, such as last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix (when the Spaniard defied team orders to overtake the sister car), but any arguments were quickly resolved.
Albon, another product of the Red Bull academy, is preparing for his fourth season with the Williams team. He thrashed Nicholas Latifi and Logan Sargeant before edging a closer battle with Franco Colapinto.
In terms of CV, Sainz is by far the toughest opponent he’s faced since his 2020 Red Bull axe. The 30-year-old arrives as a four-time Grand Prix winner with 27 podium finishes.
Carlos Sainz feels new Williams teammate Alex Albon is just like him
Addressing his new Williams colleagues at the factory last month, Sainz praised Albon. He’s pleased to have a teammate who isn’t interested in ‘politics’.
In general, Sainz regards the Thai driver as a ‘really good human being’, and he’s confident they can lead the Williams resurgence. Vowles’ team finished second from bottom in the standings last year, but they view this as short-term pain in the interest of long-term gains.
Indeed, Albon believes Williams can win races in 2027. That will be the second year of the new ruleset.
“I think in combination with Alex, I see him as a very easy-going person, similar to me,” Sainz said. “No b——-, no politics, call it whatever.
“I think he’s a really good human being. I think in combination with the two of us, we can do a very strong partnership, and push this team forward with the right spirit.”
Speaking back in 2022, Sainz also noted the similarities between himself and Leclerc.
Asked by Corriere della Sera if they were the ‘most beautiful couple’ on the grid, he said: “I’m biased but I think so. Also considering personal qualities.
“We are similar, we have a good relationship, we try to keep the Italian flag high, the Ferrari name by doing our job well, which doesn’t just mean being fast.”
Carlos Sainz has already requested one Ferrari-inspired change at Williams
Sainz and Albon already have a nickname – Carbono. Of course, it’s easy to maintain harmony before the competitive action starts.
Both drivers know their reputations are at stake. Sainz must remain on the radar of the top teams in case Williams’ plan doesn’t work out, while Albon has to definitely prove himself against a big name.
Elsewhere in his speech, Sainz called for Williams to adopt a Ferrari mentality. He wants them to pursue every little 0.1% gain.
This is part of the reason Vowles was so desperate to sign him. He’s not just getting an accomplished driver, he’s also getting a leader.
Leave feedback about this