Carlos Sainz made an impressive impact during his debut season with Williams in 2025, securing multiple podium finishes and defying predictions that his move from Ferrari would mean fewer chances at the front. After departing Ferrari at the end of 2024—a decision made as the team brought in seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton—Sainz’s podiums became a focal point in the Formula 1 paddock, especially given Williams’ history of only achieving ninth place the prior year.
A Cautious Start with Limited Expectations
As Sainz prepared for the 2025 campaign, he cautioned fans that reaching the podium was unlikely for the new season with Williams, a team that had struggled for results in the years prior. Contrary to this sober outlook, Sainz soon broke his own prediction, delivering strong performances that saw him standing on the F1 podium more than once before the year concluded.
Initial Hurdles and Gradual Improvement
The season began on a challenging note, as Sainz was unable to finish the opening lap of the Australian Grand Prix. Although he managed to claim his first point in China, a tough outing in Japan and another retirement in Bahrain highlighted the difficulties of adapting to a new car and team dynamics alongside team-mate Alex Albon. Despite these setbacks, Sainz remained determined and soon acknowledged that he was
“going in the right direction with the set-up and driving”
—Carlos Sainz, Driver. His continued efforts began to yield progress, particularly after he out-qualified Albon for the first time at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
A Turnaround Fueled by Consistency and Resilience
The Saudi Arabian event kicked off a more consistent run for Sainz, who scored points in five out of the following six races. This sequence of results demonstrated the strides made by Williams in the off-season and highlighted Sainz’s ability to extract performance even in difficult circumstances. However, mechanical issues struck at Austria, causing a missed start, and a series of point-less finishes followed—excluding a sixth-place finish during the Spa Sprint—which threatened to derail the midseason momentum.
Historic Podiums and Key Moments
Despite the midseason downturn, Sainz’s persistence paid off dramatically in Azerbaijan, where he delivered Williams’ first podium finish in Formula 1 since George Russell’s third place at the rain-soaked 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, and before that, since Lance Stroll at Baku in 2017. In Baku, Sainz qualified on the front row, battled throughout the race, and ultimately secured third place by holding off a challenge from Andrea Kimi Antonelli despite being passed by George Russell. Building on this milestone, Sainz clinched additional third-place finishes in the Austin sprint and again at the penultimate race in Qatar, marking a trio of podiums that transformed the narrative around his season.
Challenges with On-Track Incidents
While Sainz achieved significant results, his campaign was not without controversy. He shared responsibility for a race-ending crash with Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the United States Grand Prix, which dashed hopes for more points. Another notable incident occurred in Mexico, where a collision with Liam Lawson forced Sainz to retire prematurely at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit, further testing his resolve during the competitive calendar.
Record-Breaking Impact on Williams’ Performance
At the close of the 2025 season, Sainz’s efforts translated into 64 championship points—just nine short of Alex Albon’s tally—making him the only Williams driver to secure podiums and add new trophies to the team’s collection for the year. His 14-9 qualification advantage over Albon in head-to-head contests underscored his performance throughout the campaign. Collectively, Sainz’s results propelled Williams to fifth place in the constructors’ standings, their best result since 2017, sparking conversations about the decision by Ferrari to let him depart.
Significance and What Lies Ahead for Carlos Sainz and Williams
Carlos Sainz’s ability to secure podiums in his first year at Williams, despite low external expectations, demonstrates both his skill and the improved competitiveness of the team. His partnership with Alex Albon and the support from Williams’ technical staff have been critical in overcoming early-season challenges and adapting to a new environment. Going into future seasons, both Sainz and Williams have established a solid foundation, suggesting the potential for even greater results and possibly restoring Williams as a regular contender in the Formula 1 landscape. The story of Carlos Sainz Williams 2025 podiums is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unpredictable drama of Formula 1.
