Sainz dreams of fairytale podium in Baku: Williams on the prowl in F1

Carlos Sainz Eyes Podium Finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Driver Carlos Sainz aims for a dream podium for Williams after securing a surprising front row start for Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Sainz took advantage of one of the most chaotic qualifying sessions in recent times to place second, just behind Max Verstappen, who snatched the pole position at the last moment.

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

Carlos Sainz

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 crash brought out red flags. Then, he held provisional pole when Oscar Piastri crashed after the session resumed, leading to another agonizing wait under red flags. Finally, there was time for a final series of laps, but Sainz managed to improve his original time, although Verstappen denied him the pole by 0.4 seconds. Sainz was surprised to still be so high up once the dust settled.

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

Carlos Sainz

Sainz continued to express his satisfaction, highlighting the team’s strategy and his performance on the track. He acknowledged that, although the pole position was elusive, second place is a great achievement.