Ever since Carlos Sainz chose Williams Racing to continue his Formula 1 journey, the F1 community has been debating whether it was the right call for the race-winning driver, and he was asked about the similarities it had to when he joined McLaren in 2019.
With the 2025 season ahead, many anticipate what performance Sainz will have at Williams, a team that hasn’t had great results in recent years.
Sainz is ready to give it all
The Spanish driver was asked about the reasons for being optimistic about his move from Ferrari to Williams in a media session following his first run in the FW47. Despite switching from a race-winner Ferrari to a historical Williams that is having a hard time catching up to its former glory days, Sainz adopted a positive view. He stood by his decision and stated that driving for Williams would be an honor.
“Well, first of all, continuing in Formula 1 and reaching my tenth season is something I’m proud of. Joining Williams—a team with such a rich history in F1—is an honor. I can say I’ve raced for McLaren, Ferrari, and now Williams, and if you had told my 10-year-old self that, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
While he acknowledged that it may take time to reach the top with his new team, something he was able to achieve with Ferrari on four occassions, Carlos Sainz emphasized that he is ready to give it all to contribute to Williams and their F1 legacy this season. Team principal James Vowles previously explained in an interview that Sainz has brought key changes for the Williams’ renaissance.
“What I like and I want most is to be part of a team in the process of rebuilding, helping it become competitive again and fight for victories—even if it takes time. That challenge excites me, and I truly believe I can contribute to Williams’ renaissance.
“I’m ready to give my all to make that process as short as possible.”
My 10-years-old self would pick these three teams
By having signed and set to drive in the upcoming season, Carlos Sainz became the fourth driver to race for Williams, Ferrari, and McLaren in F1 history. He is joining a list of important names in F1, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, and Jackie Ickx.
The Spaniard admitted that if he had been asked which teams he wanted to drive for when he was a kid, these three would have been his top three all along.
“I think it’s, if you would have asked me when I was 10 years old and I started to fall in love with Formula 1, which teams you would have loved to drive one day, I would have definitely picked those three. I’m in my 10th year in Formula 1 and I’m joining Williams in a very important moment for Williams where it’s going through some key changes in its history.”
The second most successful team in Formula 1
Now, Sainz is on a mission to get Williams back in the front line. After leaving historically significant teams in his background, he remarked that his current team is the second most successful F1 team on the grid. Therefore, garnering triumphs to Williams’ nearly 50-year legacy would make him the proudest, particularly since the team has longed for race wins for years now. Achieving this has been a strong motivation for the Spaniard.
“Nothing would make me happier or more proud than it would definitely be the proudest moment of my career if one day I can be on a podium with this team.
“I want to help that in that process, help a historical team. I think it’s the second most successful team in Formula 1. Being part of that process and being part of that ride way back to the top of Formula 1 is what motivates me and what I think you guys can tell.
“I’m happy. I feel supported by this team and I think that’s hopefully going to bring the best version of myself.”
McLaren and Williams have similarities
During his time in McLaren between 2019-2020, the team was going through a similar rebuilding phase as Williams currently does, and Carlos Sainz mentioned in the media session that there are similarities between the two team’s situations and that he is remembering his time at McLaren F1.
The Woking-based was in big trouble. They lacked sponsors, had a terrible few years with Honda, and McLaren looked lost. 5 years later, they were World Champions again. Andrea Stella and Zak Brown led a remarkable turnaround.
Nevertheless, he is also aware of the differences. The 4-time race winner expressed his full support by stating that Williams has championship material.
Carlos Sainz sees a promising F1 journey ahead, just like McLaren after he left for Ferrari. The Madrid native finished on the podium for McLaren twice — his first in the sport. He produced a stunning drive from the back to finish P3 at Interlagos. At Monza in 2020, he was so close to a maiden victory.
“There are definitely similarities, especially considering they are both British teams. That aspect reminds me a lot of my time at McLaren.
“Both teams have gone through tough times. Williams’ most challenging period was during the COVID years, so it’s been a while since then. Meanwhile, McLaren’s toughest years were in 2017–2018, when I joined.
“That said, each team is unique, with its own history and process.
“What I’ve found at Williams is a group of talented and motivated people who are determined to succeed. I see individuals with the capability to become champions one day.
“The missing piece is what we’re working on—building the tools to be competitive. That’s where James Vowles and the leadership team are making major investments, ensuring that everything is in place for 2026.”
Co-author: Fernanda Álvarez
