Each day that passes means we’re one step closer to the first race weekend. It’s clear that F1 followers are quite eager for the Australian GP, but so are the drivers themselves. The 2025 season will bring many new faces and changes when the five red lights go out in Melbourne.
Eyes are also focused on 10-year veteran Carlos Sainz. His transition from red to blue was not expected at the end of 2023; it even caught him by surprise. The Spanish driver has already tried the 2025 Williams machinery and has shared his thoughts.
Carlos Sainz drove the FW47 F1 car for the first time at Silverstone on Friday. As he stated, it’s too soon to tell whether the car is competitive or if it has a good balance, as demonstration tyres are mandated for filming days.
“Unfortunately, the tyres we use for these tests don’t allow us to properly assess the car, so it’s too early to say whether it’s competitive or well-balanced. The tyres are completely different from the ones we usually run, and that changes the feeling entirely.”
Nevertheless, he sees Williams’ courage to present the car, in front of the media and sponsors as a sign of progress the team is making. He fully believes that the British team is heading in the right direction for the 2025 season.
“What I can say, however, is that Williams presenting the car here in front of all its sponsors and the gathered press—without fear of anything going wrong, and with everything going smoothly—is a sign of progress. It reflects the improvement we’re making in all areas, from assembling the car to building confidence within the team.”
Expecting 2025 to be a transition year for Williams F1
James Vowles’ team knows that the 2025 season is one of transition. The team is continuing to update its infrastructure to get into modern times. With the huge overhaul of regulations in 2026, that is the key for Williams to focus on.
Although the 30-year-old driver remains optimistic, one of his defining traits as a racer is realism and sincerity.
Sainz believes the team is making progress at a steady pace. However, he is aware that podiums this year are very, very unlikely.
“I think the team is taking things calmly at the moment. That doesn’t mean we’re being pessimistic; rather, it means we recognise that this is a transition year before 2026—a year when the team aims to take a major step forward.
“For 2025, we’ve already made progress, and I think the team is demonstrating that. But how much progress is enough to fight for a podium one day? To be honest, I think it’s relatively unlikely, but you never know.
“I prefer to stay optimistic and at least wait for testing or the first race to see where we stand.”
Hopeful for a good season
Carlos Sainz approaches the 2025 season with a balanced mindset between realism and optimism as he prepares for life back in the F1 midfield with the FW47. While the Williams team is well aware of the long term goals, there’s still room for progress and improvement this campaign. They were only P9 in the standings in 2024.
With Sainz’s confidence and pragmatic approach, he remains ready to tackle the challenges ahead, eager to see where the team stands in Melbourne.
Co-author: Fernanda Álvarez
