Confimation has come through from Williams on Friday afternoon that Carlos Sainz will drive for the team in the Abu Dhabi F1 test following the Grand Prix next month.
The 30-year-old signed for Williams after many months of negotiations with different teams, ultimately deciding to join the Grove-based squad on a multi-year deal.
In February, Ferrari announced that Lewis Hamilton would be joining the team in 2025 in one of the biggest driver transfers in the history of the sport.
The 105-time race winner and seven-time World Champion will partner Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver has had a clear edge on the Spaniard since the 30-year-old joined Ferrari for the 2021 season.
Nonetheless, Sainz’s signing is a statement of intent from Williams F1 as they look to become a genuine force in the sport again.
The Spanish driver has won two races this year, taking his total to four overall. He was thoroughly dominant recently in Mexico, taking a brilliant pole position, and controlled the race perfectly on the Sunday.
With Carlos Sainz getting this opportunity to test the FW46, it allows him to gain early knowledge of how the Williams F1 team works and build relationships.
He will have Alex Albon alongside him in the other car next year, another former Red Bull junior driver.
“Williams Racing is pleased to announce today 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.
“This early opportunity will allow both Carlos and Williams to begin building their relationship.
“The test session will provide a valuable chance for Carlos to begin integrating into his new team environment, and he will drive the FW46 for the first time.
“Carlos will drive for Williams alongside Alex Albon in 2025, forming one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid.”
