The arrival at Williams Racing of Carlos Sainz is already bringing significant changes, with team principal James Vowles lauding the Spaniard’s work ethic and immediate impact. After being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Sainz embarked on a new chapter with Williams, and Vowles couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board.
The Spanish driver, who made his Williams debut during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, has wasted no time integrating himself within the team. Williams finished ninth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2024. While expectations remain tempered, Sainz is committed to steering the team forward.
James Vowles, who has always been one of the biggest advocates of Carlos Sainz, spoke with Motorsport.com at the Autosport Awards about how the Spaniard is already making a difference.
“He’s relishing it,” Vowels said. “You could see from the moment he jumped in the car in Abu Dhabi, his mind switched. This is where he wants to be, this is what he wants to do, he’s part of our success story. He’s fitting in perfectly.”
Sainz has been spending considerable time at the Grove factory. He’s working closely with engineers on next season’s plans. His presence has already started shaping the team’s development approach.
Vowles shared how the Spaniard is bringing a winning mentality to Williams. This has been evident in his previous teams.
“He’s a brilliant personality who, with him, brings not only race-winning pedigree but this want and desire for Williams to be successful.”
Sainz contributed to every team’s growth, and Vowles is hoping it mirrors with Williams Racing as well
Williams is keen to build a strong foundation with Sainz and Alex Albon as their driver duo. Vowles shares that the internal discussions have been robust.
“I was there with him this morning, with Alex and myself, for three, four hours – just talking through plans for the year, what we’ve changed, where we’re going.”
“His contributions – as are Alex’s as well – are absolutely key for driving this team forward, because it’s now into a level of detail where you’re starting to chase milliseconds as opposed to the big-ticket items we work for.”
Sainz’s ability to push teams forward has not gone unnoticed. His experience at McLaren and Ferrari played a crucial role in their resurgence. As a result, Vowles believes the same will happen at Williams.
“Already in the space of just a few weeks, real positive momentum from ideas, concepts, how we can change, how we can move forward, is coming.”
The Spaniard has built a reputation for leaving teams in a better place than when he arrived. Vowles acknowledged this unique trait. Furthermore, he emphasised Sainz’s impact on every team he’s been part of.
“He also doesn’t leave a stone unturned. I mean, there’s a statistic up on the F1 channel today where you look at all the teams he’s been to and where they’ve ended up. It’s not a coincidence. He’s a hard worker, a diligent worker that brings with him success – and he wants us to be successful.”
