Sainz Resurfaces: Baku Podium Reinforces Hope in Williams and Future

Sainz Celebrates Podium in Azerbaijan with an Unexpected Adventure

On a Sunday night, even a detour on the flight back home couldn’t erase Carlos Sainz’s smile. After achieving his first podium with Williams in Formula 1, the Spanish driver shared his joy in Charles Leclerc’s Instagram stories, while both former Ferrari teammates were traveling in a rental van past midnight. The adventure began when their flight to Nice was diverted due to a storm. They landed in Italy, rented a van, and embarked on a road trip to Monaco.Carlos Sainz achieved an impressive third place in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a result that marks a turning point in a season with ups and downs. This podium, Sainz’s first with Williams, comes after a series of outstanding results this season. Sainz’s performance in Baku was not only the result of an impeccable qualifying and a flawless race, but also a response to the criticism that questioned his adaptation to Williams after leaving Ferrari.

“Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of bad luck, many incidents, it’s very difficult to convert all that pace into results,” Sainz commented on his season. “But now I understand why it happened, because the first podium had to come like that. That’s life, you know?”

Carlos Sainz

Despite this achievement, Sainz has scored fewer points than his teammate, Alex Albon, this season. However, his performance in qualifying sessions has been notable, with a minimal difference compared to Albon, which refutes the idea that Sainz has had difficulties adapting to the Williams car. Sainz highlighted his competitiveness from the first race, despite the lack of results. The podium in Baku represents a sweet moment after a streak of bad luck and irregular performances. Sainz’s podium in Baku is more than a race victory; it’s a vindication of his decision to join Williams, after being informed by Ferrari that his contract would not be renewed. Sainz’s choice for Williams was based on James Vowles’ plan, who promised a long-term project. Although Williams has not had an outstanding performance in recent years, Sainz trusted the project and the team’s growth potential.

Vowles had pointed to 2025 as a difficult season, focused on the 2026 regulation changes. The success in Azerbaijan, the product of a genuine pace and difficult conditions, was even more gratifying.

“This means even more because, obviously, a year ago when I bet on Williams, and I said that I am going to this team because I really believe in this project, and I really believe that this team is on the rise,” Sainz stated. “I am very comfortable in this work environment, also very comfortable with everyone around me.”

Carlos Sainz

Sainz’s podium was also celebrated by Vowles, who highlighted the driver’s deservedness and his ability to demonstrate his worth.

Sainz’s achievement at Williams, surpassing even Hamilton at Ferrari in terms of podiums, underscores the magnitude of his success and his commitment to the team. Sainz, focused on the future, considers that the podium is a validation of his project at Williams. His goal is to bring the team back to competitiveness and victory, dedicating his efforts to this end. In a season marked by results that did not reflect their potential, the podium in Baku has vindicated Sainz’s performance, strengthening the hope for more successes in the future.