Williams enjoyed an impressive opening to the 2025 Formula 1 season – even if new signing Carlos Sainz retired on his debut for the team.
The Spaniard moved to Grove from Ferrari after Lewis Hamilton made the switch from Mercedes. Sainz has bought into the project James Vowles is creating as he hopes to lead Williams back to the front in F1.
Many people in the paddock believe the Grove-based outfit have taken a step forward in development in 2025 – despite Williams focusing their attention on 2026 and the new regulations.
Sainz and teammate Alex Albon proved that theory correct when they lined up sixth and 10th for the Australian Grand Prix. The result marked the first time both Williams reached Q3 in Melbourne since 2005.
However, Sainz endured a disappointing debut for the team on the track as he crashed under the safety car at the final corner in the tricky conditions.
The Spaniard would have hoped for a stronger Grand Prix given points were definitely possible. Nevertheless, he still had an impact on Williams’ success as Albon came home an impressive fifth.
Ferrari insiders think Williams will be ‘so good’ in 2025 because of Carlos Sainz’s feedback to his engineers
Sainz has integrated into the team smoothly and impressed during pre-season testing with the fastest time on day two in Bahrain. Carlos Sainz Sr says Williams listen to his son and the feedback he is giving, allowing for a seamless transition.
Williams engineers have been impressed by Sainz’s feedback so far during private testing and pre-season. The Spaniard has a great record of improving teams as seen at Renault, McLaren and Ferrari – and his former employer think he will do the same at Williams.
Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Channel 10’s Tim McDonald spoke to Ferrari insiders in Melbourne. They say Sainz will be key for Williams having a strong 2025 campaign.
“Been speaking to a few people I know at Ferrari. They say that one of the reasons this Williams will be so good is because Carlos is adding to it,” he said.
“And they say from his time at Ferrari, he works so well with the engineers. His feedback was always instructive and they’re not surprised to see Williams up the front end now that Carlos is in there providing that feedback.
“He’ll be a big part of why they’ve turned it around.”
Williams fans will love what Ferrari are saying about their 2025 signing. Sainz’s integration into the team and the impact he has proven to have already – given their pace in Melbourne – is certain to step them up for a strong campaign.
Carlos Sainz helped Alex Albon’s strategy after his crash at the Australian Grand Prix
Despite Sainz’s retirement, Williams proved their speed and potential through Albon’s performance. Hamilton struggled to get past the Thai driver for large parts of the race.
Albon came home fifth in Melbourne behind Kimi Antonelli. The 28-year-old was temporarily bumped to fourth after the rookie was handed a five-second penalty for an unsafe release, but the Silver Arrows managed to overturn the decision.
READ MORE: Williams star Carlos Sainz’s life outside F1 from full name, girlfriend and height
A key reason for Albon’s result was the impact his teammate had in the garage. Sainz was ‘incredibly useful’ for Albon’s strategy as he helped make the call to switch to intermediate tyres when the rain hit in the closing stages.
Damon Hill labelled Sainz a ‘star’ for aiding his teammate from the garage secure 10 points to kick off 2025. Williams are already just seven points behind their 2024 tally heading into the Chinese Grand Prix.
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