Carlos Sainz calls on Williams to “get its act together” after single-seater fire

Carlos Sainz has called on Williams to end the series of recent problems after being unable to even start the Austrian Grand Prix.

A withdrawal before the race

Carlos Sainz reported an issue with his car right from the formation lap on Sunday at the Red Bull Ring: “Something is preventing the car from moving forward,” he stated over the radio. “The car is stuck.”

The start of the race was delayed, as the Spaniard was immobilized on the grid. Back in the pits, the rear of his car caught fire.

Read also: Carlos Sainz forced to retire before the start of the Austrian Grand Prix

A braking issue is believed to be the cause of the incident.

Carlos Sainz reacted after the fire in his car during the Austrian Grand Prix: « Very disappointed, obviously. Coming to Austria and not even being able to race, after the problems in qualifying, and now this… »

« We are going through a tough time with many problems in a short period, as a team. Before our home Grand Prix, we need to pull ourselves together and analyze what we can do better », he explains.

This is racing, it’s part of the sport. As an athlete, we experience ups and downs, some periods luckier than others. Sport has taught me that things can change very quickly. I just have to keep my head down and keep going. Things will eventually turn around.

« As a team, we clearly need to review a lot of things. Come together and figure out how to stop this buildup of problems. »

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone, scheduled for next weekend, represents the home race for Williams, who arrives there after a particularly discouraging weekend in Austria.

His teammate Alex Albon did not finish the race either, a victim of engine overheating, a problem similar to the one that forced him to retire in Canada. Carlos Sainz was also hindered in Montreal, where he drove the entire race with a technical issue.

In the Austrian qualifiers, the Spaniard had once again been victim of issues, recording the second worst time and exiting in Q1, later citing brake problems and damage to the underbody.

Silverstone, on Williams territory, could represent the ideal opportunity to end this dry spell.