Carlos Sainz to drive for Williams at Abu Dhabi post-season tests

Williams has confirmed that Carlos Sainz will take part in the post-season Formula 1 tests in Abu Dhabi in December, marking his first steps with the team after leaving Ferrari.

Sainz: his first steps with Williams

Although the Spanish driver is still under contract with the Scuderia until the end of 2024, he will have the opportunity to test the Williams FW46 at the Yas Marina circuit after the last race of the season.

This is not a new event since drivers like Kimi Räikkönen and Sebastian Vettel had, in the past, participated in post-season tests with their new teams before their contractual formalization.

In 2018, Räikkönen had thus tested the Alfa Romeo car after leaving Ferrari, just like Vettel with Aston Martin in 2020. This time, it is Sainz who will take part in these tests, a step that, according to Williams, will serve to establish a first connection with his future teammate, Alex Albon, and to initiate their collaboration for the 2025 season.

Adapting to a new team

The tests in Abu Dhabi represent a unique opportunity for drivers to integrate into their new team while testing the cars for the upcoming season. Sainz, who will discover the FW46, will be able to start adapting to his new environment.

This first opportunity allows both Carlos and Williams to start building their relationship before next season, the team added.

In parallel, other drivers will also use this session to familiarize themselves with their new team, like Esteban Ocon at Haas. Moreover, although rumors have circulated about the possible participation of Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari, this information has been denied.

Sainz, who will therefore join Williams from 2025, will form a promising duo with Albon, in a renewal strategy for the British team.