Sainz: « Let’s be obsessed with the hundredths because it will make the difference »

During a visit to the Williams Racing factory last week, Carlos Sainz shared his vision for the British team. Drawing from his experience at Ferrari, he intends to foster a culture of performance and form a determined technical duo with Alex Albon to revive the team.

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For his first official visit to the Williams factory in Grove, Carlos Sainz engaged in an exchange with the entire staff, guided by team director James Vowles. Facing his new colleagues, he shared his ambitions and method for helping the British team return to the forefront.

Sainz’s choice to join Williams was not solely motivated by immediate performance; it stems from a calculated approach based on two fundamental elements. The driver explains: « Regarding my choice, at first, I focused on the short term: which team would be the fastest in 2025, who generated the most aerodynamic downforce, etc. But I quickly understood that my decision had to be based on two aspects: the project and the people. In discussions with James, I saw that he had built a solid project, with a clear vision to bring Williams back to the top. The involvement of Dorilton Capital and strong leadership convinced me. »

The McLaren example as inspiration

Sainz’s vision was based, in particular, on a previous encouraging example from his former team: « When I left McLaren, I was convinced they could become world champions again, and last year, they did. So, I decided to trust my instinct with Williams: a good project, good support, and competent people », he continued. An instinct that led him to Grove, where he was already able to gauge the team’s potential during the Abu Dhabi tests at the end of 2024.

From this first drive, the Madrid driver was struck by the determination of the team: « What impressed me the most was the motivation of the team. After a difficult end of the season and a series of grueling races, I saw smiles and a real desire to do well. Usually, during the Abu Dhabi tests, teams are exhausted after three consecutive races. But here, everyone was involved and collaborative. It really impressed me and gave me confidence for the future », stated Sainz, who will form one of the most experienced duos on the grid with Alex Albon.

He is, moreover, optimistic about his collaboration with Albon: « I think with Alex, it’s a very straightforward relationship. He’s like me: no politics… He’s a very good person. Together, I think we can form a strong duo and help the team progress with the right mindset. Honestly, I’m looking forward to it, he stated.

The Ferrari Method for Williams

The former Ferrari driver also wants to bring with him a culture of performance pursuit forged within the Scuderia, as he points out: « In a team like Ferrari, every member is obsessed with searching for the slightest hundredth. And yet, even at this level of excellence, the team must fight to compete with McLaren, Mercedes, or Red Bull. It shows how high the level is at the front of the pack. »

This pursuit of optimization, Sainz intends to convey to every member of Williams: « From now on, I want to motivate all of you. The slightest tenth will make the difference. If you add up all these milliseconds, believe me, it will show on the track. And I have no doubt that you are all as capable as those at the front of the pack. So together, let’s be obsessed with the hundredths, because I am sure it will make the difference. »

For 2025 and beyond, the Spanish driver’s goals are clear: « I want people to notice the progress, to see the change in trend that you have already initiated over the past two years and to continue amplifying it. This way, people will keep believing in this project and join us, thereby creating a positive dynamic that will drive the team forward. »

This first visit to the factory marks the beginning of a new era for Sainz and Williams Racing. With his arrival alongside Alex Albon, the Grove-based team now has a duo of experienced drivers to achieve its ambitions.

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