Carlos Sainz still confident and determined to move forward

Carlos Sainz approaches the Japanese Grand Prix, his third race at the wheel of a Williams, with a mix of optimism and determination. Aware of the challenges associated with changing teams, he acknowledges the adaptation period as a real effort to assimilate new procedures and working methods. “It’s been a challenge, as always, when you change team and have to learn new procedures,” he explains, admitting that this learning process requires time, effort, and energy. However, he remains confident: “But I think we’re on the right track.”

The question of his potential move to Red Bull, and the debate about the need for an experienced driver to support Max Verstappen, has been raised. Facing these speculations and potential criticism towards Red Bull for not having recruited him, Sainz responds with a detached smile and an awkward laugh: “You know, the most complicated job in Formula 1 is to drive alongside Max.”

Sainz insists on his personal satisfaction and his conviction regarding his current career choice. “I don’t hear people talking,” he states confidently. “I am where I want to be and especially in a good situation for myself and my future.” This statement, without regrets, demonstrates his confidence in the future with Team Williams.

After two rather mixed initial races, where he struggled to regain the exceptional sensations he had experienced during the winter tests in Bahrain. Sainz heads to Suzuka with the intention of making a small step forward. The speed demonstrated in Bahrain serves as his reference, and he aspires to return to that level of performance.

The Spaniard arrives in Japan with strong motivation and determination to make significant progress with his single-seater and to get closer to the performance of his teammate, Alex Albon, a cornerstone of the Williams team.

Sainz is betting on a new approach to improve his results. He wants to work with the engineers to adapt the car to his driving style. On the other hand, we also need to make changes to the car, adapt it a bit more to my direction, and focus a bit on what happened during the Bahrain tests. With these analyses and the adjustments he needs to make, he concludes enthusiastically: we approach Suzuka with a desire to progress.