Carlos Sainz shares why he’s ‘100%’ sure leaving Ferrari for Williams isn’t a step down

Carlos Sainz will race in the famous Ferrari red one final time at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Spaniard knew he would be leaving the Maranello squad even before he stepped into the SF-24 back in February.

It was then announced that the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton would join Ferrari on a multi-year deal in 2025, replacing Sainz and leaving him without a seat.

Hamilton’s arrival marks arguably the biggest driver transfer in F1 history – but it has been questioned whether the Brit can perform after enduring three difficult seasons with Mercedes in the ground-effect era. Helmut Marko thinks Ferrari will be ‘stronger’ with Hamilton despite his poor form.

For Sainz, at the time, it would have been a bitter pill to swallow given the success he has had with Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc since he joined in 2021. The 30-year-old has won three races with the team – his first coming in 2022 at Silverstone – and 26 podiums.

But the Spaniard will be joining a new project in 2025 as he makes the move to Williams to partner Alex Albon. It may seem like a huge step back in his career on paper, but Sainz does not think that way.

Carlos Sainz says he ‘just enjoys driving’ when asked if his Williams move is a step down from Ferrari

On paper, Sainz is moving from the second-best team to the second-worst team in 2025 as Williams currently languishes in ninth in the Constructors’ Championship.

But the Grove-based outfit are building for the future, with a huge emphasis on 2026 when the new technical regulations come into effect.

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s life outside F1 from full name, girlfriend and height

Sainz is a huge coup from Williams as they now boast an exciting driver pairing with the 30-year-old and Albon. Team principal James Vowles says Sainz beating Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc is the most important reason for signing him as he has proven himself against the best talents in F1.

Many have questioned whether the Spaniard will be able to fight at the front in Williams machinery, but for Sainz, he says the move from Ferrari is ‘100%’ not a step back as he will be remaining in F1 and doing what he loves.

When asked the question about joining Williams being a step down on the Beyond The Grid Podcast, he said: “No, 100% no. I’ll still be a Formula 1 driver, enjoying my life. There will be positives, there will be other negatives, but you need to remember that what I enjoy is putting on a helmet and driving a Formula 1 car.

“Doesn’t matter the colour, I just enjoy driving. I enjoy the competition, I enjoy challenging myself, and especially more than anything I enjoy living a weekend thinking there is nothing else I could have done to make that car faster than what I did, and to drive as fast as I did.

“Because I think I’ve managed to execute the maximum out of the package, and that’s what I will be trying to do weekend in, weekend out next year.”

Carlos Sainz can help win Ferrari silverware in his final race with the team

The drivers’ championship may be wrapped up, but Sainz does still have something to fight for at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Ferrari are in the battle for the constructors’ title with McLaren. The Maranello squad are 21 points behind having cut down their rivals’ lead last time out in Qatar.

Defending champions Red Bull are officially out of the running and will likely finish third. Despite Max Verstappen winning in Qatar, teammate Sergio Perez retired from the race and shattered any chance of the team claiming their third consecutive constructors’ title.

Ferrari have not won the title since 2008, while McLaren’s last win dates even further back in 1998. Both teams will be desperate to end their losing streaks and Sainz will be determined to leave Maranello on a high with some silverware in Abu Dhabi.