Carlos Sainz in Williams earlier than expected; the 30-year-old Spaniard, in fact, will join the Grove-based team’s family as early as the end of this Formula 1 season saying goodbye to Scuderia Ferrari.
While Lewis Hamilton will, in all likelihood, have to wait until January and February next year to drive a single-seater from the Maranello-based Scuderia for the first time in his career, the same cannot be said of Carlos Sainz; the “almost” former Ferrarista, in fact, will join James Vowles’ team as early as the upcoming end-of-season tests in Abu Dhabi, during which he will have the opportunity to drive Williams’ home-built FW46 single-seater at the Yas Marina circuit.
As reported by the British team itself in an official statement, the “Williams Racing are pleased to announce that Carlos Sainz will join the team for the upcoming Abu Dhabi end-of-season test — marking the first steps in his preparations for the 2025 season“.
The statement continues, then, highlighting the positive aspects of this early entry of the Spaniard into the team alongside Alex Albon: ”This early opportunity allows both Carlos and Williams to begin building their relationship together ahead of next term. The test session at Yas Marina Circuit will provide a valuable chance for the Spaniard to start integrating into his new team environment, when he drives the FW46 for the first time “.
“Carlos is set to represent Williams alongside Alex Albon in 2025, forming one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid. The 30-year-old has enjoyed an impressive Formula 1 career to date, having secured 25 podium finishes and four race victories while driving for Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren and Scuderia Ferrari. His last Grand Prix triumph came as recently as October, when he finished in top spot at the 2024 Mexico City GP. We look forward to teaming up with Carlos in the United Arab Emirates next month.“ finishes the team.
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP.