Sainz: Podium in Baku with Williams, better than the first in F1

Carlos Sainz: A Podium with a Special Flavor for Williams

Williams driver Carlos Sainz expressed that his third-place finish in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix had an even greater meaning than the first podium of his career. With 31 years old, Sainz has 28 podium finishes in 11 seasons in Formula 1, including four victories as a Ferrari driver. His first podium was at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, when he was driving for McLaren. This season, Sainz joined Williams after being replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton. The Spanish driver described his first podium with his new team as an experience full of emotion.

Honestly, I can’t describe how happy I am, how good this feels. This is even better than my first podium.

Carlos Sainz

Sainz highlighted the team’s hard work throughout the year and how they managed to demonstrate their speed when everything worked perfectly. He mentioned that they made no mistakes and managed to overtake several cars that they did not expect to beat. Sainz started the race from second position on the grid, capitalizing on a chaotic qualifying session at the Baku street circuit. During the 53 laps of the race, he maintained a solid performance, losing only one position to George Russell’s Mercedes, who employed a different strategy.

Carlos Sainz celebrated his first podium with Williams. The Spanish driver has four victories, 28 podiums and six poles in his career.Sainz expressed his pride in the Williams team and the progress they have made. He highlighted the step forward they have taken compared to the previous year and the positive direction they are in.

I am extremely proud of everyone at Williams for pushing through during our very difficult year.

Carlos Sainz

Sainz also mentioned the bad luck and incidents they have faced, but believes this podium is a reward for the team’s perseverance. He considers this achievement a life lesson, urging them to keep believing and trusting in the team and the process. After Williams focused its efforts in 2026 at the start of the season, Sainz anticipates that the podium in Baku could be the highlight of his debut year with the team. Although he acknowledges that there could be other opportunities, such as in Las Vegas. Sainz also highlighted the fluctuation in the team’s performance, anticipating that in certain races they might struggle to score points, but in others, they could compete in the midfield and fight to enter the points. He concluded by expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming races.