Carlos Sainz is about to make his Williams debut throughout the post-season Abu Dhabi take a look at, marking a major step in his transition to the group following Ferrari’s resolution to switch him with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for 2025. Sainz will pilot the present FW46 within the days following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, permitting him an early alternative to combine together with his new group forward of partnering Alex Albon subsequent season.
Williams described the take a look at as an opportunity for Sainz to start “constructing their relationship” and getting acclimated earlier than formally becoming a member of the Grove-based outfit. Nonetheless, F1 commentator Peter Windsor has labeled this growth as “one of many saddest bits of stories,” citing the Spaniard’s unfulfilled potential and missed alternatives elsewhere.
Windsor Doubts Crimson Bull Future for Sainz
Sainz’s free-agent standing earlier this yr positioned him as one of the vital sought-after drivers within the paddock, particularly after he broke Crimson Bull’s dominance with a shocking win on the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. His victory in Australia this season, capitalizing on Max Verstappen’s brake failure, additional solidified his popularity.
Regardless of these achievements, Carlos Sainz’s rumored transfer to Crimson Bull fell by after the group prolonged Sergio Perez’s contract earlier within the yr. Sergio Perez’s struggles since then, which have value Crimson Bull second place within the Constructors’ Championship, have led to hypothesis that Christian Horner is likely to be reconsidering the choice. Peter Windsor, nonetheless, believes Carlos Sainz’s Williams dedication successfully ends any probability of him becoming a member of Crimson Bull in 2025, whilst talks between Horner and Williams Crew Principal James Vowles reportedly passed off relating to the Spanish driver.
“One of many saddest bits of stories is that he’s going to be within the Williams in Abu Dhabi take a look at. Which means any probability of going to Crimson Bull is over and he’s going to be in that Williams. What a ridiculous waste of a proficient driver,” Peter Windsor defined.
Did Carlos Sainz Miss a Golden Alternative with Audi?
Sainz additionally turned down curiosity from Audi, who had prioritized him as a companion for Nico Hulkenberg of their formidable F1 undertaking. As an alternative, the German producer, which is about to take full management of Sauber in 2026, opted to signal Gabriel Bortoleto after failing to safe Sainz.
Whereas Audi’s present marketing campaign has been underwhelming, current backing from Qatar’s rich buyers has reignited optimism about their long-term competitiveness. Carlos Sainz Sr., the two-time World Rally Champion, reportedly urged his son “a thousand occasions” to think about Audi, citing their sturdy monetary backing and plans to speed up infrastructure growth. In contrast, Williams’ ongoing rebuild stays a slower course of.
What Lies Forward for Carlos Sainz?
As Carlos Sainz gears up for his Williams stint, the choice to hitch the group as a substitute of ready for alternatives at Crimson Bull or Audi is bound to spark debate. Whereas Williams affords an opportunity to spearhead their revival, it raises questions on whether or not the Spaniard has sacrificed potential race-winning alternatives for the short-term stability of a midfield seat. For now, the Abu Dhabi take a look at marks the start of a brand new chapter for Carlos Sainz, one laden with each challenges and prospects.
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