Carlos Sainz admitted he knows he won't be fighting for wins and podiums in the coming years with Williams but the Spaniard is there “well prepared” according to him.
Sainz made his debut for Williams F1 during post-season testing, which apparently went well. But his team, like him, could not make any comments on this subject, probably for contractual reasons still linking him to Ferrari.
The new Williams driver, however, immediately showed his desire by finishing post-season testing in second behind his former Scuderia teammate Charles Leclerc, while completing 146 laps of Yas Marina.
His fastest lap was two-tenths faster than the qualifying times of Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto, in warmer weather but on C5 tires which are modified for 2025.
"People honestly won't believe it and can't imagine how much I'm looking forward to what's to come," confides Sainz.
“It may seem strange to people, but it's a project that motivates me a lot. I have in mind being able to help a legendary team like Williams in F1 to become a top team again. Being part of that motivates me a lot. “
“I know I won't be fighting for victories and podiums in the next few years, but I don't worry about that. I'm well prepared for it. I did it with Ferrari, and what I'm going to do is “To keep busy is to ensure that this period lasts as little as possible.”
“The way to approach a year like the one that has just ended is never ideal. All the great years of the best athletes in history are spent with a 100% team, a project for the future and everyone which pushes in the same direction… and yes, I noticed that Ferrari supported me at all times and throughout the season.”
“But whether we like it or not, when we know we’re leaving at the end of the year, it’s complicated to manage.”
“We all managed to stay out of it and continue to give everything. The end of the season was very beautiful and a sign of strength that I think will help me in my next projects.”