Carlos Sainz has formed a strong driver pairing with Alex Albon at Williams. The Grove-based outfit are building for the future with their two leaders.
Williams won the driver market by signing Sainz midway through last season. The Spaniard arrives from Ferrari after arguably his best season to date in 2024 with two wins and nine podiums.
Under the guidance of James Vowles, the Grove-based outfit are hoping to return to the front of the field. Williams only managed 17 points last season with several accidents costing them.
The team’s driver line-up will certainly put them in a good position to challenge. Both on long-term contracts, Williams are already encouraged by Sainz and Albon as they gave ‘identical’ feedback in private testing with the FW46.
The duo have enjoyed solid outings in pre-season testing in Bahrain in the FW47. Sainz topped the time sheets on day two – although that does not mean all too much at this stage.
But the feeling is Sainz is already comfortable at Williams and he has shared how his ‘perfect’ teammate Albon has helped him achieve that.
Carlos Sainz’s says Alex Albon’s feedback to him about Williams is exactly the relationship he needs
The Grove-based outfit’s 2025 drivers have made a significant impact on Williams. Sainz and Albon were even discussing technical details at a team event as they look to find the cutting edge with the FW47.
Albon’s three years of experience in the team has been vital for Sainz’s integration. The Spaniard told Sky Sports during the third day of testing that the Thai driver’s feedback about the team and car has been ‘exactly’ what he needs
“Alex is one of the best guys I’ve come across in Formula 1. I think he’s an incredibly talented guy but more than anything a good human being,” he said.
“And you can tell he’s in this path with Williams where he’s trying to bring this team back to the top.
“The feedback that he gives, the feedback that he’s giving me about the team, the car, the way he’s helping me also understand the way the team operates and the way the technical element was going last year.
“It’s exactly the kind of relationship and the kind of teammate I need right now in Williams because we’re going to push flat out, both of ourselves to try and bring this team back to the front.
“And I think Alex is the perfect guy to do that.”
What are Williams’ chances in the 2025 F1 season?
Williams will be desperate to improve on the 2024 season after suffering numerous setbacks with crashes and a lack of performance. Pre-season testing in Bahrain indicates a step forward from the team.
But the Grove-based outfit seem to be focusing their efforts on 2026 and the new set of regulations. Williams have ‘kind of given up’ on 2025 as they look to ace the new rules, with there a lot of excitement surrounding Mercedes and their power unit.
Albon says Williams will move quickly into 2026 after taking inspiration from his former team Red Bull. The Milton Keynes-based squad mastered the ground effect regulations and have dominated F1 with Max Verstappen in recent seasons.
While Williams look to be focusing on next season, that is not to say the team cannot be competitive this year. Vowles has not ruled out podiums in 2025, claiming they have the ‘ingredients’ to challenge for the top positions.
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