With this extra day, Carlos Sainz will begin his new chapter in Formula 1 under the best auspices, ready to take on the challenges that await him in 2025.
Carlos Sainz, who will join Williams in 2025 after leaving Ferrari, will begin his adventure with the British team earlier than expected.
Initially scheduled to test the new FW46 during post-season testing, the Spanish driver will finally take to the track on Monday December 9, thanks to an opportunity offered by Williams.
An accelerated transition for Carlos Sainz
After losing his seat at Ferrari to Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz quickly found refuge at Williams, where he will team up with Alex Albon. To facilitate his adaptation, Williams decided to use one of his two authorized filming days to give Sainz an early first drive on the FW46.
This run, limited to 200 km (around 35 laps), will take place on the Yas Marina circuit, one day before the official tests. This session will allow Sainz to get his bearings within the team and to familiarize himself with the characteristics of his new car. A strategic approach to maximize the effectiveness of official tests scheduled for the next day.
A day shared with Luke Browning
During these tests, Carlos Sainz will share the track with Luke Browning, young hopeful from Williams. The British driver, who has the team's support to progress to lower categories, will also have a session to gain experience behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.
Browning, already announced to participate in free practice 1 (EL1) of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in place of Alex Albon, will take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen his learning in an F1 environment.
Essential integration before 2025
For Carlos Sainz, this early run represents a crucial opportunity. Far from the Ferrari environment, he will have to quickly adapt to Williams' work philosophy and the specificities of the FW46. This proactive approach demonstrates the ambition of the Grove team, who wish to take advantage of Sainz's experience to progress up the hierarchy.
With this extra day, Sainz will begin his new chapter in Formula 1 under the best auspices, ready to take on the challenges that await him in 2025.
