Sainz dreams of a fairytale podium in Baku: Williams in sight

Sainz Dreams of the Podium with Williams at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Pilot Carlos Sainz aims for a dream podium for Williams after securing a surprising position on the front row of the grid for Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Sainz took advantage of one of the most chaotic qualifying sessions in recent times to place second, with Max Verstappen snatching the pole position at the last moment. Had he achieved pole, it would have been the first for Williams since the 2014 Austrian Grand Prix.

I will try to get on the podium. I think I will give my best to give Williams a first podium. If it’s possible, great. And if not, we’ll see.

Carlos Sainz

Both Sainz and Williams executed the session perfectly. The Spanish driver crossed the line for his first timed lap in Q3 at the right moment, capitalizing on the drama unfolding around him and the light rain that was falling.

His name topped the timesheet when Charles Leclerc’s accident brought out red flags. Then, he held provisional pole when championship leader Oscar Piastri crashed after the session resumed, leading to another agonizing wait under red flags. Finally, there was time for a last set of laps, but Sainz managed to improve his original time, only for Verstappen to deny him the pole by 0.4 seconds. Sainz was surprised to stay in such a high position once the dust settled.

Very happy. Honestly, we nailed the classification today. Always being on the right tire at the right time and completing some very strong laps.

Carlos Sainz

Sainz went on to say that, although he expected the faster cars to overtake him, he was satisfied to have overtaken other competitors and secure second position.